Looking for solutions to improve the NHL All-Star Game

But it’s easy for MacKinnon to cast stones when his team is loaded with talent. The Avalanche could easily have five all-stars. Maybe more. They all make each other better.

Imagine being Nick Suzuki in Montreal. He’s leading his team in scoring. But is there anyone else truly driving play for his club? Not really. Especially not from the back end. Chris Wideman leads Canadiens defensemen with nine points in 25 games.

Colorado, led by wunderkid Cale Makar, has five defenders with 11 or more points. Makar alone has 37. Simply put: it’s much easier for Colorado forwards to rack up points than it is for Canadiens forwards.

It would be one thing if players showed up and competed tooth and nail at the All-Star game. But they don’t. It’s a glorified beer league game.

That’s why I think it’s still important that every team has a player on the roster. Cities and fan bases deserve to be represented not only in the game, but also in the skills competition.

Deep down, I’m sure players from the poor teams know they’re simply field-fillers. But it’s still an honor to represent their city’s fan base and give them someone to cheer for. Regardless of league standings, they’ve earned the nomination by being their team’s best player.

I understand that there probably isn’t a perfect solution. But something has to change. The NHL needs to find a way to feature the best player from every NHL team while honoring the top players in the game.

There needs to be a balance. And right now, with just 36 skaters (and eight goaltenders) selected from 32 teams, the system is broken.

I think the NHL needs to expand the rosters for the All-Star Game. I understand why each division is currently set at nine players and two goalies. It’s a 3-on-3 format, so it works with three lines. The numbers make sense.

But are lines really necessary? Beer leagues have made it work for decades with varying numbers of players. When it’s time for a change, the closest player to the door goes on the ice. Simple as that. I think NHL coaches and players can handle it.

One area that doesn’t need any change: goaltenders. Eight is plenty. Although I have no idea how the NHL came to the conclusion that John Gibson has been more deserving than Jacob Markstrom.

I don’t know what the magic number is for skaters on All-Star rosters. Maybe it’s 10 or 11 players per division instead of the current nine. Maybe more.

Being an All-Star is a big deal to the players. It matters. It validates hard work and success. And while the luster tends to wear off for the game’s elite players, who have participated countless times, being selected is such a thrill for first timers.

I never got that opportunity in the NHL. Not even close. I never eclipsed being a No. 3 goaltender and fighting to be called up from the minors every season.

But I was chosen for ECHL and AHL All-Star games. Both times, I was so excited to go. And they were amazing experiences.

That’s part of the reason why I don’t see the harm in expanding the rosters just enough to appease all factions. The NHL wants every team represented. Fans want someone to cheer for. And players want to be rewarded for strong play.

Including a few more players in the All Star game isn’t going to cheapen it. In a league with well over 600 players, what difference does it make if it’s 44 or 60 players that are invited to participate?

None.

I’m hoping the NHL learns from this year and alters the selection process for next year. Do the right thing. Reward the game’s best players while respecting the fans in every market. They deserve it.