Auston Matthews reacts to being selected as an All-Star over teammate William Nylander
Last night the NHL released the first 32 players named to the upcoming All-Star Game. The first batch of players have to represent every team around the league, whereas the final 12 will be voted in by the fans.
For several teams, the decision to name one player for the time being was probably difficult, considering the amount of talent that's out there. The Toronto Maple Leafs have 2 definite All-Stars this season in Auston Matthews, who leads the league with 30 goals, and William Nylander who sits in 6th in scoring with 51 points.
The former will be representing the host city this season but it's hard to argue against his season. Matthews has 30 goals and 45 points in just 35 games, is averaging 21:30 TOI, is converting his shots at 18.9%, and is playing on another level right now.
After a season that was mired with wrist injuries, Matthews came ready and healthy for 2023-24 and is currently on pace for a 70-goal season. As for the official appointment from the NHL, Matthews is humbled and honoured for the opportunity to represent the Maple Leafs and the host city:
"It's always an honour to get chosen and represent the team and go to these events," Matthews said on Wednesday.
"It's a special event so you definitely don't take it for granted," Matthews added. "I'm sure we've got a lot of guys deserving to go throughout the league."
There are 12 spots remaining and will be determined by a fan vote. The teams will be drafted by respective captains and a celebrity partner. As of right now the Atlantic Division is currently represented by Rasmus Dahlin, Alex DeBrincat, Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak, Sam Reinhart, Nick Suzuki, Brady Tkachuk and, of course, Matthews.
I'd imagine that we're probably going to see Nylander as one of the 12 players voted in, so the Leafs should be well represented in this year's All-Star Game.
| POLL | ||
5 JANVIER | 857 ANSWERS Auston Matthews reacts to being selected as an All-Star over teammate William Nylander If Auston Matthews gets the first pick at the All-Star Game and Nylander is not there, who will he select? | ||
| Brady Tkachuk | 233 | 27.2 % |
| Nikita Kucherov | 385 | 44.9 % |
| Clayton Keller | 79 | 9.2 % |
| Other | 160 | 18.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
