Instead of an NHL All-Star Game, top stars from four nations will face off for a midseason international tournament starting Wednesday in Boston and Montreal. Why it matters: The 4 Nations Face-Off is meant to herald the NHL's return to the Winter Olympics — but,

For 2025, however, the NHL is doing something a bit different. The All-Star Game is taking a back seat to the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The NHL has replaced its traditional All-Star Game with the 4 Nations Face-Off, featuring the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden in a competitive tournament. This new event offers meaningful action and serves as a precursor to the 2026 Winter Olympics,