Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Named To The 2015 NHL All-Star Game

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been selected by the NHL to play in the All-Star game this season. The festivities will take place in Columbus Ohio on the weekend of January 25th. The League will again go with the school yard team selection format, where two captains shall take turns choosing players for their teams until they run out. This year will be the first such game since 2012. Last year we didn’t get an All-Star weekend because there was something slightly more exciting going on: the Winter Olympics. 2013’s festivities were a casualty of the lock-out.

This is the first time in RNH’s career  he becomes an NHL All-Star. Despite the Edmonton Oilers’ struggles, the young center has been one of the most consistent players on the team, playing physical, driving possession, and giving a full game effort night after night. With 11 goals and 25 points in 40 games played, Nugent-Hopkins co-leads the Oilers in goals and is tied for second in points.

There were some notable absentees on the list released today by the NHL. On the forward group, Joe Pavelski was a big snub, since the guy is currently 5th in goal scoring league-wide. On defence, PK Subban is the biggest name not selected. This is a double whammy for Subban, because 6 spots were selected by fan voting and his Canadiens’ followers didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. The rear guard currently ranks 9th in points and 12 in goals amongst all d-men.

Don’t Pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Last

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be the only Oiler to represent the team this year. Last time the All-Star game was held it was Jordan Eberle who got the invite. This year’s game will be only the 60th such show in league’s history. Back in 2011, when the fantasy draft format was introduced to select both All-Star teams instead of dividing them by conference, Phil Kessel got the dishonor of being selected last. That year Taylor Hall, Ales Hemsky and Jordan Eberle were all selected to the game but only Hall made the trip with the other 2 having to withdraw due to injuries.

The team captains will be selected by the players and the fantasy draft will be held on January 23rd. Smart money is on RNH being selected last because he is one of the youngest veterans and because he lacks the notoriety of other names mainly as a by-product of not having been in the playoffs. At least he gets a car out of the deal. And he gets to be an NHL All-Star.