There’s a growing belief that the NHL-hosted 4 Nations Face-Off international tournament was so remarkably successful that it might jeopardize the league’s plans for standard All-Star Games in the future. This notion has been circulating during the tournament, without acknowledging that there is already a standard All-Star Game scheduled for Long Island in 2026, as a prelude to the Milan-Cortina Olympics, marking the first NHL participation since 2014. The conversation gained momentum from a notable source on Friday: NHL on ESPN analyst P.K. Subban, during his appearance on SportsCenter.
P.K. Subban on the 4 Nations Face-Off: “I don’t think we can ever go back to All-Star Weekend. I don’t. I really believe that after this, we have to consider doing this or something like this in replace of it.” pic.twitter.com/M9Jq5uwRNL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 21, 2025
This argument, suggesting that the 4 Nations Face-Off could replace the All-Star Game, is intriguing not merely for its content but also because it’s voiced by a prominent broadcaster aligned with a rights holder. Historically, various leagues have resisted critical commentary from their broadcast partners; however, the NHL’s opposition has stood out, featuring commissioner Gary Bettman in confrontations with journalists like Ron MacLean and Rick Westhead. Such tensions have even led Sportsnet executives to emphasize a focus on stars rather than business following their acquisition of Canadian rights, while NHL executives expressed appreciation for Rogers’ regard for the league brand and their collaborative efforts.
Subban’s public dissent against the league’s plans is noteworthy, particularly due to his role as a hockey analyst on ESPN rather than as a general debate commentator. Such comments carry more weight, especially when juxtaposed with less informed remarks from others within ESPN, which have often led to pushback from the league. It’s essential to consider that the future may involve a hybrid of All-Star Games and international tournaments. The 4 Nations Face-Off follows a series of best-on-best international competitions, including the Canada Cup and World Cup of Hockey, while the Olympics from 1998-2014 included NHL players, who will again participate in the upcoming 2026 and 2030 Olympics thanks to agreements with the NHLPA.
However, the infrequency of these tournaments, compared to the annual International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, can be attributed to multiple factors, including the number of additional games entailed—especially for 12-team Olympics versus the more manageable four-team 4 Nations setup, which still accumulates significant gameplay and risk of injury, as seen with Florida Panthers’ star Matthew Tkachuk during recent finals.
The infrequent occurrence of best-on-best international tournaments is influenced mainly by the potential for injuries and time constraints within the NHL schedule. Although the NHL announced its intention to participate in more Olympic events and to organize the World Cup of Hockey every four years, planning for these tournaments can be complex without a paradigm shift in the NHL’s approach. It seems improbable that an NHL-run tournament could coincide with the Olympics featuring NHL players; hence, it’s more likely there will be either an All-Star Game or nothing for 2026 and 2030.
Ultimately, the All-Star Game’s allure stems from being a single event over one weekend, which raises questions about its continued viability amid dwindling ratings across various sports. Discussion may arise about how to innovate the format of the All-Star Game, potentially tweaking it to feature shorter matches with different national teams, similar to recent NBA efforts, albeit with mixed reception. The NHL All-Star Game has evolved through various formats over the years, currently revolving around three-on-three games since 2016 and previously showcased through five-on-five contests.
For now, the All-Star Game remains embedded in the NHL’s future plans and is included in broadcasting agreements. Subban’s declaration on a prominent platform that “I don’t think we can ever go back to All-Star Weekend” signifies a crucial moment, revealing a candid viewpoint that is notably rare for an analyst of his standing.
