Sedins, Edler, Hodgson earn stars
Only the Ottawa Senators, with five, have more all-stars than Canucks
ST. LOUIS — First in NHL assists and points when additions to the AllStar Game rosters were announced Thursday morning, Henrik Sedin doesn’t have to worry about being picked last Jan. 26 when captains flush out their rosters with a fantasy draft for the annual spectacle.
Last year, Phil Kessel had to keep a smile plastered on his mug. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger was like that little kid being the last pick for the neighbourhood pickup game — he went last, but got a car for the embarrassment.
“I felt bad for Kessel,” said Henrik, the Vancouver Canucks captain. “Every player there is an all-star and it [the draft] was OK, but you’ve just got to have fun with it.”
The league’s top playmaker could volunteer to go last. Maybe add some spice to a weekend that has lost much of its lustre.
“I’d get a car,” he joked. “That would be nice. But I can buy my own car.”
Henrik will be joined by Daniel Sedin and first-time all-star Alex Edler in the Jan. 29 spectacle at Ottawa. Cody Hodgson, who will participate in the rookie skills show a day earlier, gives the Canucks the most participants outside of the five that Ottawa has through stuffing the fan ballot box.
With 40 assists and 51 points following a 3-2 overtime victory here, Henrik Sedin was an obvious choice to make his third all-star appearance, while Daniel Sedin, who has 49 points (19-30), will make his second. Edler ranks fourth among league blueliners with 31 points (7-24) and Hodgson fifth among rookies with 25 points (10-15).
“It means a lot,” Henrik added. “It’s one of those things you’re going to look back on when you’re done playing, that you’ve been in one or a few. It’s something you can tell your grandkids.” Added Daniel: “It’s a privilege. Go and have some fun for two days and it’s a good experience. It’s fun for the fans, but for the players it doesn’t really matter because we’re just happy to be there. You never want to be picked last, but when you’re that confident when you do [go last], it’s a good thing.”
Daniel and Henrik were selected fifth and sixth overall last year, but Edler doesn’t care where he’s selected in his debut.
“No, not really,” said the softspoken Swede. “You get picked for the All-star Game, that’s a big thing. I’m very excited and it’s a big honour.”
For Hodgson, the original plan was go to Toronto for a break. The plan has obviously changed.
“I was just going to go home and see family and stuff, so I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I know they’ve changed the format over the last few years and I don’t know what to expect, but I’ll be happy and excited. It’s a real honour.”