In this edition of the hotstove we share our thoughts on the biggest snubs for the 2017 NHL All-Star Game.
Todd Cordell
For me, it's Artemi Panarin and I'm not sure it's close.
The highly skilled Russian winger is having a fantastic season sitting 6th in NHL scoring with 42 points in 44 games.
On top of producing at a high-end rate, he is tops in the NHL in Corsi For% Relative to the team. With Panarin on the ice, the Blackhawks control 56% of the shot attempts at 5v5. Without Panarin, that number dips to 43.6.
He has been one of the very best players in the league, so for the Blackhawks to have four All-Star reps and him not to be one of them is completely wrong. The season Jonathan Toews is having, for example, doesn't hold a candle to Panarin's. The latter deserves to be there and, quite frankly, I think he'd be a lot more entertaining to watch in a 3-on-3 tournament.
James Tanner
I don't feel that it's fair to say anyone got snubbed because the format (3 vs 3 by division) means the rosters will be small and so good players will be left out.
I guess Cam Atkinson - the top forward on the top team - is the most glaring one.
Mitch Marner, JVR, Kadri, and Gardiner off the Leafs are all deserving.
OEL not going is pretty ridiculous, he's only one of the two or three best D in the game.
Also, Panarin and Draisaitl.
But again, it's 3 v 3 so it's bound to happen.
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