NHL unveils revamped skills competition featuring $1M prize
The NHL announced plans Tuesday for a new-look skills competition during this season's All-Star Weekend.
The revamped format will feature 12 All-Stars competing for points across eight events. The player with the most points at the end of the night will take home a $1-million prize.
Eight skaters from the 44-player pool will be selected by the league, and the final four will be voted into the competition by fans.
Each player will choose to compete in four of the first six events. The top eight point-earners will advance to the seventh event, and the top six will move on to the final.
Specific details on the events are yet to be revealed, but here's a look at the order of the scheduled festivities as well as the points system.
- Fastest skater
- Hardest shot
- Stick-handling
- One-timers
- Passing challenge
- Accuracy shooting
- Shootout
- Obstacle course
| Ranking | Points earned |
|---|---|
| 1st | 5 |
| 2nd | 4 |
| 3rd | 3 |
| 4th | 2 |
| 5th | 1 |
| 6th-12th | 0 |
* - Points will be doubled for the final event.
The league relied heavily on Connor McDavid's feedback for ways to improve the event.
"I think his endorsement, more than anybody's, was one of the reasons why we felt like we got something here," NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer told Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "At the end of the day, we're trying to find out who is the most skilled player.
"You know, a million dollars is a big deal. These guys are going to compete hard."
In November, the NHL announced the return of the player draft for the three-on-three tournament that will take place the day after the skills competition.
All-Star Weekend begins Feb. 2 in Toronto.