All-Star rosters announced


The NHL revealed the All-Star rosters for the new 3-on-3 tournament format to be played in Nashville on Jan. 31. Devils starter Cory Schneider made it along with the Caps’ Braden Holtby out of the Metropolitan Division. Schneider deserved the nod over Ranger goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who went from a Vezina/Hart front runner to not even an All-Star. It’ll be odd without Lundqvist and Sidney Crosby.

Voters already elected the four team captains which included Coyotes tough guy John Scott, who has been a hot topic. Honestly, who cares? So a little used fourth liner was voted in. It’s a 3-on-3 tournament with the winner taking $1 million which hopefully will go to charity. Alexander Ovechkin is the Metro team captain and ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr captains the Atlantic even though he joked to voters not to elect him because playing 3-on-3 would kill him. Scott will captain the Pacific and Patrick Kane the Central.

Islander captain John Tavares is the lone representative from Brooklyn. Ranger captain Ryan McDonagh will represent the Blueshirts. Somehow, he beat out more deserving Mats Zuccarello. Here’s how the Metro stacks up:

F Alex Ovechkin (Caps)

F Evgeni Malkin (Pens)

F Claude Giroux (Flyers)

F Nicklas Backstrom (Caps)

F Brandon Saad (Jackets)

F John Tavares (Isles)

D Kris Letang (Pens)

D Justin Faulk (Canes)

D Ryan McDonagh (Rangers)

G Braden Holtby (Caps)

G Cory Schneider (Devils)

Joining Jagr for the Atlantic will be Sabre forward Ryan O’Reilly. He’ll represent Buffalo. Rookie Jack Eichel didn’t make it. But Red Wing freshman Dylan Larkin is in. Leo Komarov made it from the Leafs. Here’s the Atlantic team:

F Jaromir Jagr (Panthers)

F Dylan Larkin (Red Wings)

F Leo Komarov (Maple Leafs)

F Ryan O’Reilly (Sabres)

F Steven Stamkos (Lightning)

F Patrice Bergeron (Bruins)

D P.K. Subban (Canadiens)

D Aaron Ekblad (Panthers)

D Erik Karlsson (Senators)

G Roberto Luongo (Panthers)

G Ben Bishop (Lightning)

The Central Division is probably the most skilled team. Featuring Kane along with dynamic duo Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, they also boast Vladimir Tarasenko, Jonathan ToewsMatt Duchene, Shea Weber, Roman Josi and Dustin Byfuglien. Unfortunately, Stars defenseman John Klingberg didn’t make it. Too bad because he deserves to be there. They took three Predators including Pekka Rinne. Blake Wheeler missed out too.

F Patrick Kane (Blackhawks)

F Jamie Benn (Stars)

F Tyler Seguin (Stars)

F Vladimir Tarasenko (Blues)

F Matt Duchene (Avalanche)

F Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks)

D Shea Weber (Predators)

D Roman Josi (Predators)

D Dustin Byfuglien (Jets)

G Pekka Rinne (Predators)

G Devan Dubnyk (Wild)

Team Pacific is headlined by John Scott. And if you don’t have a sense of humor, then this format isn’t for you. Should he be there? Of course not. But it’s a 3-on-3 tournament and it’ll be nice for an enforcer to get the experience. Imagine what it’ll be like for his family and friends. Joining Scott are Taylor Hall, Joe Pavelski, Corey Perry, Johnny Gaudreau and Daniel Sedin up front. The Beard, Brent Burns headlines a strong D featuring Norris candidate Drew Doughty and Mark Giordano. Jonathan Quick and Ducks rookie John Gibson are the goalies. I would’ve liked to see Patrick Marleau make it. He’s having a great year. Max Domi also isn’t on the roster. Leon Draisaitl will have to wait till next year.

F John Scott (Coyotes)

F Taylor Hall (Oilers)

F Joe Pavelski (Sharks)

F Corey Perry (Ducks)

F Johnny Gaudreau (Flames)

F Daniel Sedin (Canucks)

D Drew Doughty (Kings)

D Mark Giordano (Flames)

D Brent Burns (Sharks)

G Jonathan Quick (Kings)

G John Gibson (Ducks)

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About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.
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