The NHL All-Star game revolves around one aspect, ''All-Star'', as in an elite-player. The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Auston Matthews would be out week-to-week with an injury, meaning he can't participate in the All-Star game. The league decided to send Alekander Barkov to the All-Star Game instead of several other candidates that were much more deserving, Barkov was chosen as the event is being held in Florida and Barkov is with the Panthers.
Now, we have another case of the NHL's antics to get more money, rather than follow their own rules of sending actual All-Stars to the event. Sadly, the current leader for the Calder Trophy race, Matty Beniers has been injured off of this play shown below:
His replacement? Chandler Stephenson, you may be thinking.. who the heck is that? He is only in his second-full NHL year and is having a solid season, but nothing compared to others who are out of the All-Star game, and would be more reasonable for a replacement.
Good for Stephenson and all, but there are several other candidates having far-more impressive seasons. Including Ryan-Nugent Hopkins who has doubled Stephenson's goal total, Zach Hyman who is doing the same and also has 20+ more points. But Stephenson plays for the Vegas Golden Knights, likely the only reason why he was chosen over other deserving candidates.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 30 | 221 ANSWERS Gary Bettman and The NHL Continue to Disrespect The Edmonton Oilers With Recent Announcement Should Nugent Hopkins or Hyman be in the All-Star game? | ||
Nuge | 100 | 45.2 % |
Hyman | 121 | 54.8 % |
List of polls |