Jackets AHL Affiliate To Host ’27 All-Star

The American Hockey League’s decision to award the 2027 AHL All-Star Classic to Cleveland is more than just a win for the city. For the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, it represents a clear endorsement of their development model and long-term investment in player growth.

Cleveland, home of the Monsters and the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, will host the league’s marquee event at Rocket Arena on February 7–8, 2027. The multi-day showcase will feature the AHL Skills Competition, the All-Star Challenge, and the league’s Hall of Fame ceremonies, bringing the spotlight to one of the NHL’s most important development pipelines.

For the Blue Jackets, this recognition reinforces the importance of stability at the AHL level. Cleveland has served as a foundational pillar of the organization since becoming Columbus’ affiliate in 2015. That relationship has produced NHL contributors, consistent playoff appearances, and a Calder Cup championship in 2016 — a moment many league officials still point to as a benchmark for fan engagement and organizational execution.

League leadership cited Cleveland’s market strength, arena capabilities, and fan support as key factors in the selection. Rocket Arena remains one of the largest venues in the AHL, while Monsters attendance has consistently ranked among the league’s best. Those elements matter not only for hosting major events, but also for developing prospects in pressure environments that mirror the NHL experience.

The All-Star Classic also serves as a reminder of how central the AHL is to the Blue Jackets’ roster construction. Nearly every core contributor to Columbus in recent seasons has passed through Cleveland, using the affiliate as a proving ground for systems, pace, and professional habits. Hosting the league’s top prospects in 2027 only strengthens that identity.

Beyond hockey operations, the event carries organizational value off the ice. The All-Star Classic will bring league executives, NHL decision-makers, and top prospects into the Blue Jackets’ ecosystem for several days. That exposure highlights Columbus’ commitment to development, infrastructure, and long-term planning — areas the franchise continues to prioritize during its rebuild.

From a fan perspective, the event offers Blue Jackets supporters a rare opportunity to see the next wave of NHL talent up close, including players who may soon impact Columbus directly. It also reinforces the connection between the NHL club and its AHL base, a relationship the organization has worked hard to strengthen over the past decade.

As the Blue Jackets continue shaping their future, the 2027 AHL All-Star Classic stands as a validation of the path they’ve chosen. Development matters, environment matters, and in 2027, the entire league will be watching how Columbus’ system operates at center stage.