The NHL All-Star Game has been somewhat of a shapeshifting beast over the years. A lot about the annual midseason event has changed, from the game's format to the way teams are picked and how players are voted in. But soon the league's All-Star Game may cease to exist altogether.
According to a recent report from Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, the NHL and NHLPA are discussing the possibility of getting rid of the All-Star Game in favor of an international event overseas. Though details are scarce on what that new event would look like, the league seems focused on growing its brand internationally.
That may sound a bit strange, especially considering the NHL is opting not to send its players to the next Winter Olympics, which is the biggest international stage for hockey. But the IOC won't allow the NHL to directly market its own brand at the Olympics or take a share of the revenue that comes with letting players participate. Ultimately, the NHL decided it wasn't worth shutting down their season for more than two weeks to let players compete in the Olympics, and instead they've decided to focus their international efforts elsewhere.
