NHL evaluating All-Star Game format: 4 Nations 'raised the bar'

The NHL is evaluating its All-Star Game format, commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday.

"We're re-evaluating how we want to do things because I think we've raised the bar about as high as you can for an All-Star Game in any sport," Bettman said, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "We want to make sure whatever we do is up to the standards that we've created."

The 4 Nations Face-Off, which replaced the All-Star Game this season, was the first best-on-best men's hockey tournament since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The event drew massive ratings with over 16 million viewers in North America watching Canada knock off the United States in overtime of the championship game.

The 2024 All-Star Game featured four captains drafting teams and competing in a short three-on-three tournament. The event also included a revamped skills challenge in which Connor McDavid won the $1-million prize.

In previous years, the four teams were comprised of players from each division. The All-Star Game moved to a three-on-three tournament format in 2016.

The New York Islanders are scheduled to host the 2026 All-Star Game.