For some people, the shine of the NHL All-Star game is long gone. Most of us, instead of watching the event, just sit around and complain about it. The NHL heard us and has changed the format to a 3-on-3 tournament between the league’s four divisions, pretty cool if you ask me.
The captains were named on Saturday and the Pacific Division got John Scott via the fan vote. My thoughts on that, in short, are that it is awesome to see. A guy like Scott has battled his whole career and now will get to have a little fun and enjoy a great weekend. I’ll be rooting for him and I’ll be tuning in to watch him play. Hoping for the best for the Yotes forward.
As for the Oilers, they’ll have at least one representative when the teams are announced on Wednesday. He’s quite an obvious choice for his first All-Star appearance if you ask me.
Taylor Hall:
Taylor Hall will go to the All-Star game, it’s way too obvious. Hall’s game has taken off this year for the Oilers, he’s become a true leader both on and off the ice. His defensive game has become ten times better and he’s cemented himself as Edmonton’s best producer of offensive chances.
On top of that, he’s just crushing it stats wise. As of tonight, Hall is fifth in NHL scoring, tied with St. Louis’ Vladimir Tarasenko with 41 points. Hall is currently at a point-per-game pace, something he’s already done at the NHL level.
In 41 games, Hall has registered 16-25-41 and trails only Patrick Kane, Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Erik Karlsson. Folks, that’s a very impressive season from our very own superstar forward.
Taylor Hall has always been a helluva hockey player, we’ve always known that. Finally, he’ll get recognition league wide this season. He’s earned it, as he’s not just producing but he’s playing well in so many other areas, too.
Other Representatives?:
Odds are, Taylor Hall will be Edmonton’s only rep in the game, but could someone else sneak in? Had he not been injured, it’s a no-brainer that Connor McDavid would have made the game. Does the NHL still put him in? I highly doubt it, and I’d also imagine that the Oilers don’t allow him to go as he’s still recovering from his injury, although there’s a chance he’s back before the game.
Leon Draisaitl, in my mind, has earned consideration. Draisaitl has the combination of size, speed and skill that teams just crave. He’s a a perfect build for the modern NHL, he really is. This season has been his coming out party, too. After a 30+ game trial last year and a short stint in the AHL this fall, Leon has emerged as a legit scoring threat in the NHL.
Currently, he sits 33rd in NHL scoring and has only played 31 games. In those games, he’s posted 9-23-32, over a point-per-game pace. In terms of points-per-game, Draisaitl is FIFTH in the NHL with a 1.03 mark. That trails only Kane, Seguin, Benn and Karlsson. That’s elite company.
Will Draisaitl make the All-Star team? I don’t think so, he’s not a popular enough player and I doubt the NHL sends two Oilers with Connor McDavid not available. That said, I believe he has earned the honor to represent his team and I’ll be hoping he makes the roster.
I now ask you, Oiler fans, which Oilers do YOU think deserve to play in the annual ASG?
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