Interestingly, the selected replacements come from entirely different teams, breaking the usual pattern where the replacement is often chosen from the same team as the injured player.
Vincent Trocheck, a forward from the New York Rangers, and Kyle Connor, a forward from the Winnipeg Jets, have been named as replacements. Trocheck, contributing significantly with 15 goals and 29 assists in 46 games this season, represents the Metropolitan Division-leading Rangers.
He is on track to set new career highs in assists and points for the 2023-24 season. This will be Trocheck's second appearance at the All-Star Game, with his first in 2017 when he recorded 1 goal and 3 assists for Team Atlantic.
On the other hand, Kyle Connor, making his second All-Star Game appearance, hails from the Central Division-leading Winnipeg Jets. Despite missing 16 games, Connor has showcased his scoring prowess with 18 goals and 11 assists in 28 games this season.
He previously played a crucial role for Team Central in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist as they advanced to the final.
While these replacements bring their own impressive stats and skills to the All-Star lineup, the departure from the norm of choosing a replacement from the same team adds a unique twist to the selection process.
This decision has sparked some discussion among hockey enthusiasts, with some perceiving it as a deviation from the typical protocol and raising questions about its implications, particularly for the Chicago Blackhawks.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 22 | 441 ANSWERS BREAKING: Gary Bettman disrespects the Blackhawks with Bedard's All-Star Replacement Do you think Gary Bettman favours other teams over the Blackhawks? | ||
Yes | 327 | 74.1 % |
No | 114 | 25.9 % |
List of polls |