Major announcement for the 2024 All-Star Game should make Leafs fans happy

After a week of rumours and chatter, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially been announced as the hosts for next year's NHL All-Star Game. Toronto last hosted an All-Star game back in 2000 and the last Canadian team that hosted the mid-season classic were the Ottawa Senators in 2012.

The All-Star game has received a lot of criticism and flack, especially in the last few seasons, with the once venerated event now becoming a snooze fest. The NHL tried changing things up a few years ago by instituting a 3-on-3 format and giving the winning division a $1 million grand prize, however that hasn't brought back the magic that once was.

The format itself is questionable. There were several odd choices this year in terms of who was selected and who was snubbed, and the skills competition last night showed how far back the NHL has gone compared to other leagues.

The NBA's slam dunk and three point contests bring about a lot of excitement and pride amongst the players and the fans. Even the MLB's Home Run Derby remains a classic event that will always bring viewers, regardless of the popularity of the sport.

Here's hoping things change next year with the event being hosted in the hub of hockey. The Maple Leafs have tried to get the event back to Toronto for some time and the city will be buzzing. With the All-Star Game now taking place in one of the hottest markets in hockey, hopefully the fans will be flocking through the gates of the Scotiabank Arena unlike the half-empty arena in Sunrise this weekend.

One thing to note is that since All-Star weekend will be in Toronto next year, we should have at least 3 or 4 Leafs representatives!

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