The 2017 All-Star Game continued to use the 3-on-3 tournament format successfully introduced in 2016, in which teams representing each of the NHL's four divisions (the Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific) played in a single-elimination tournament, with each game consisting of two 10-minute halves played 3-on-3 and going directly to a shootout if tied after 20 minutes.

For 2017, the breakaway competition was dropped and replaced by a new event, the Four Line Challenge, in which four shooters from each team took shots at the goal from various positions on the ice.

[5] For the first time, the Skills Competition had a direct impact on the All-Star Game itself; the winning team was given the right to select their semi-final opponent during the tournament, and whether they would play in the first or second semifinal.

[10] Tortorella announced that he had to miss the game due to a family emergency and was replaced by Wayne Gretzky (who had not coached hockey since leaving the then-Phoenix Coyotes in 2009).

The division that won the Skills Competition during the previous night got to choose their first opponent in the 3-on-3 tournament, and whether they play in the first or second semifinal game.

Pop group Fifth Harmony were scheduled to sing the U.S. anthem, but pulled out after one of their members had fallen ill.

They were replaced by singer Courtney Daniels, a member of the Los Angeles Kings' ice cleaning crew (she performed similar duties during the game, and also assisted in presenting the MVP award after its conclusion).

[22] Before the game, the teams were introduced by four celebrities, each representing their home division: Atlantic - Wayne Gretzky, Metropolitan - Tim Robbins, Central - Chris O'Donnell, Pacific - Colin Hanks.