<P> For the 2020 edition , the all - star teams will be replaced by qualifying teams . There are also plans for a spin - off event beginning in 2018 , which would pit a European all - star team against a North American all - star team in a five or seven - game series . This event would also occur every four years , alternating biannually with the World Cup of Hockey . These moves are intended , primarily , to help expand the international prominence of the NHL . </P>
when does the world cup of hockey start
2020