The 2020 NHL All Star Weekend takes place this weekend! In my Last article, I listed off the rosters, a quick description of the new events and I gave my quick opinion on the festivities altogether. In this piece, I will take a look at players who I believe were All Star snubs.
This list will include 3 players per division, however I may add a few honorable mentions here and there.
Before I give you my list, I’d like to remind all of you that this list is subjective. It is my list. No right or wrong answers. With that said, please tell me who you think was snubbed of the All Star Weekend this year in the comments below. I will separate this in two articles. One for the Eastern Conference, and one for the Western.
Atlantic Division All Star Snubs
I’ll start with this division, as it is the division in which I am most knowledgeable in.
Jean Gabriel Pageau – As an Ottawa Senators fan, I have to give the nod to Pageau. In this rebuilding year for the Sens, Pageau has stepped up big time. His 19 goals and 12 assists (31 points) rank second amongst the Senators and he has been one of Ottawa’s best players this year. Yes, a lot of his points came from November, however he has been amazing all year.
Aleksander Barkov – While Jonathan Huberdeau has been outstanding this year for the Florida Panthers, and most definitely deserves the All Star honours, you cannot disagree that Barkov has been great. His numbers stand out. Having scored 16 goals and 38 assists for 54 points in 49 games, Barkov is over a point per game. Barkov has helped lead the Panthers to the third seed in the Atlantic Division thus far.
John Tavares – The newly appointed captain has been amazing this year. His numbers have been consistent. While not above a point per game, he has led his team in amazing fashion. He has been one of the team’s best players this entire season, and he steps his game up when needed. To me, John Tavares is the perfect captain, but that is a topic for another article. Tavares has 18 goals and 23 assista for 41 points in 42 games this year.
Honorable Mentions – Nikita Kucherov, Brad Marchand
Metropolitan Division All Star Snubs
Evgeni Malkin – Malkin has had to step up before when Sidney Crosby has been out with injury. Like usual, he has elevated his game and has been the Penguins’ best player this year. Malkin has 15 goals and 35 assists for 50 points in 37 games. Malkin has missed a few games, but has remained dominant for the Penguins. If there was any doubt of his ability, there certainly isn’t anymore.
Andrei Svechnikov – The second overall selection of the 2018 draft has consistently gotten better. In my opinion he has been one or Carolina’s best players. So far having scored 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points in 50 games this season. And who can forget his highlight reel goals? You all know which ones I’m talking about. Anyways. Carolina has a stud in Svechnikov and I am excited to see how his career plays out.
Ryan Strome – Strome has been fantastic for the New York Rangers. He has completely turned his career around this year alone. Strome has 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points in 48 games this season. He will undoubtedly pass his career highs this year. He’s only two points away from doing so. He has been quite the pleasant surprise.
Honourable Mentions – Nikita Gusev, Sean Couturier
Closing thoughts
This list is in my opinion. We may disagree or agree, however this is my list. Please give me yours in the comments below.
The Western Conference edition will follow in the next few days.
Follow me on twitter @JacobLarivire for more of my hockey content!
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