This tournament served as a precursor to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, filling the void left by the absence of a best-on-best event since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and generating unprecedented excitement.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed enthusiasm for establishing a regular schedule of international events, alternating between Olympic and World Cup tournaments.

The NHL's plans for the World Cup of Hockey in 2028 are still being finalized, with a bidding process for host cities that may include European locations.

The NHL plans to reinstate the All-Star Weekend in February 2026 at the UBS Arena, coinciding with the Olympics, while also scheduling the next World Cup of Hockey for 2028.

The 4 Nations Face-Off has significantly transformed the NHL landscape, with Team Canada coach Jon Cooper calling it the most impactful event for hockey in a decade.

The intense rivalry between the U.S. and Canada was on full display during the game, which featured three fights in the first nine seconds, illustrating the high emotional stakes involved.

Players have acknowledged the unique emotional weight of international competitions compared to All-Star Games, expressing a desire for both types of events to coexist.

The February 15 matchup between the U.S. and Canada attracted 4.4 million viewers, marking a 479% increase from their 2016 encounter and highlighting a surge in interest in hockey.

The NHLPA has been advocating for more international best-on-best opportunities since 2016, reflecting strong player interest in representing their countries.

Concerns have been raised about the frequency of international events, particularly regarding player injuries and their impact on the NHL season.

All-Star Games are experiencing a decline in popularity compared to the excitement generated by the 4 Nations Face-Off, as evidenced by recent criticisms of the NBA's All-Star Weekend.

Political issues currently prevent Russian players from participating in international play, creating uncertainty as the NHL prepares for future tournaments.