Meet Your 2023 NHL All-Stars!
Every year, the NHL All-Star Game brings together the top players from the league's various teams to demonstrate their talents and play against one another in an entertaining game. In addition to the All-Star Game, which pits players from each division against one another in a high-scoring, fast-paced game, the event generally includes a skills competition where players compete in events like the hardest shot and fastest skater.
The NHL announced the full rosters for the 2023 All-Star Game on Thursday, January 19th, following the initial eight-man rosters that were revealed on January 5th. This change in format for the selection process included one player from each team for the initial eight-man rosters for each of the four divisions, with the remaining three players for each division chosen by fan voting. Here is the complete roster for each division, including the initial eight-man roster and fan-selected players.
The Metropolitan Division
League choices:
F Alex Ovechkin, Washington
F Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh
F Andrei Svechnikov, Carolina
F Johnny Gaudreau, Columbus
F Kevin Hayes, Philadelphia
F Jack Hughes, New Jersey
F Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
G Igor Shesterkin, N.Y. Rangers
Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders are the players for the Metropolitan Division who received the most fan votes. For all three players, this will be their first All-Star Game appearance. Panarin and Fox have been vital contributors for the Rangers, helping the team to a 25-14-7 record this season. Panarin has 47 points in 46 games, with 12 goals and 35 assists, while Fox has 45 points in 46 games, with nine goals and 36 assists. Sorokin, a netminder for the Islanders, has played a crucial role in the team's 23-20-5 record this season and has a 2.37 goals-against average, .924 save percentage, and three shutouts in 36 games.
The Atlantic Division
League choices:
F Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay
F Mitch Marner, Toronto
F Dylan Larkin, Detroit
F Nick Suzuki, Montreal
F Matthew Tkachuk, Florida
F Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa
F Tage Thompson, Buffalo
G Linus Ullmark, Boston
The Atlantic Division's fan-elected players include Andrei Vasilevskiy of Tampa Bay, David Pastrnak of Boston, and Auston Matthews of Toronto. Pastrnak is on track to score 40 or more goals for the third time in his career and will play in his third All-Star Game. Matthews, a star for the Maple Leafs, will play in his fifth All-Star Game and has accumulated 52 points in 45 games, with 24 goals and 28 assists. Known as one of the best goalies in the NHL, Vasilevskiy will play in his fourth All-Star Game and has played a vital role in the Lightning's 29-13-1 record this season. Additionally, he has a 2.55 goals-against average, and a .916 save percentage in 33 games played.
The Central Division
League choices:
F Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota
F Clayton Keller, Arizona
F Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis
F Jason Robertson, Dallas
D Seth Jones, Chicago
D Cale Makar, Colorado
D Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg
G Juuse Saros, Nashville
Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Connor Hellebuyck of Winnipeg are among the Central Division players chosen by fans. Rantanen will play in his second All-Star Game, while MacKinnon will play in his fifth. Despite the team's numerous injuries, the two players have been crucial in keeping the Avalanche competitive. Rantanen has 58 points (32 goals, 26 assists) in 45 games, while MacKinnon has 51 points (13 goals, 38 assists) in 34 games. The veteran goalkeeper Hellebuyck will play in his third All-Star Game.
The Pacific Division
League choices:
F Connor McDavid, Edmonton
F Elias Pettersson, Vancouver
F Matty Beniers, Seattle
F Nazem Kadri, Calgary
F Kevin Fiala, Los Angeles
F Troy Terry, Anaheim
D Erik Karlsson, San Jose
G Logan Thompson, VGK
Leon Draisaitl, Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers, and Bo Horvat of the Vancouver Canucks, are the players in the Pacific Division who received the most fan votes. Skinner will make his debut, while Draisaitl will make his fourth appearance. The Oilers' 27-18-3 record, which keeps them in the playoff race, is a result of the contributions of both players. While Skinner has a 2.92 goals-against average and .915 save % in 27 games, Draisaitl has 73 points in 44 games. Horvat, the captain of the struggling Vancouver team with an 18-25-3 record, will play in his second All-Star Game and has 49 points in 46 games.
The All-Star Game offers fans a unique glimpse into the personalities and relationships of players from different teams. The relaxed and informal atmosphere of the event allows players to let their guard down and interact with one another off the ice, giving fans a chance to see a different side of their favorite players and gain a deeper understanding of their characters. In addition, the game provides a platform for players from various teams, countries, and positions to come together and form friendships or even rivalries, making for an exciting and dynamic experience for the fans.
The 2023 All-Star Weekend will take place in Sunrise, Florida, from February 3rd to 4th at the Florida Panthers' home arena, FLA Live Arena. It will be exciting to see players, including Connor McDavid, Elias Pettersson, and Erik Karlsson, who have established themselves as the league's best, participate in this exciting event.
Overall, the NHL All-Star Game is a celebration of the sport and an excellent opportunity for fans to see some of the best hockey players in the world all in one place, showcasing their skills and competing against one another. In addition, it's an entertaining event that offers a chance for fans to see their favorite players in a different setting and get a deeper look into their personalities.