ESPN’s Emily Kaplan first reported — and a New York Islanders spokesperson later confirmed to beat writers — that the NHL has canceled the previously planned Olympic send-off event at UBS Arena ahead of the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The venue will still host the 2027 NHL All-Star Game, which is expected to feature a traditional skills competition and All-Star format rather than something inspired by last season's Four Nations Face-Off. The league had publicly framed the concept as both a marketing play and a moment to celebrate the global stage NHL talent was returning to. The 2027 All-Star Weekend will continue as planned in Elmont, giving the Islanders’ home a marquee event without the overlap with the Olympics. The All-Star designation further cements UBS Arena — one of the NHL’s newest buildings — as a destination for league-wide showcases.