World Cup of Hockey Returns in 2028, NHL Confirms

The NHL has officially announced the return of the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028, set to replace the NHL All-Star Weekend. This marks the tournament's first occurrence since 2016, and it will involve NHL players competing for their nations in a best-on-best format. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized the significance of international competition for players, stating it is 'in their DNA.' While details about participating countries and the tournament format are still being finalized, the inclusion of Russian players remains uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical issues. The NHL plans to open a bidding process for potential host cities in North America and Europe soon. This move aligns with the NHL's commitment to regular international tournaments, alternating with Olympic participation, thereby enhancing opportunities for players worldwide to represent their countries.