NHL reportedly drops Olympic sendoff event; Islanders to host 2027 All-Star Weekend

The NHL has reportedly canceled a planned Olympic sendoff event scheduled for February at the New York Islanders’ UBS Arena and instead intends to hold the 2027 All-Star Weekend there, according to two people familiar with the decision.

The two individuals, familiar with the decision, spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league has not yet made an official announcement. ESPN first reported the move during its broadcast of Tuesday’s Boston–Florida game.

UBS Arena had initially been slated to host the 2026 All-Star Weekend as a launch point for players, coaches, and staff to travel to Milan for the Winter Olympics. However, following the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament earlier this year, league officials reconsidered the value of holding a traditional All-Star event - which typically features a skills competition and 3-on-3 games - so close to the Olympic break.


With the Olympic return set for 2026 and the World Cup of Hockey expected in 2028, NHL officials have indicated the Islanders would likely host the All-Star festivities in the intervening year. The league is now targeting the weekend of February 5–7, 2027, for the event.