BUFFALO – Captain Jack Eichel has been the named the Sabres’ lone NHL All-Star Game representative for the second straight season.
Eichel, 22, has compiled 15 goals and team-high 49 points in 40 games this year.
Considering every team must be represented and teams are chosen by division, there are always some significant snubs. Incredibly, Sabres winger Jeff Skinner, whose 26 goals are tied for second in the NHL, was left off the Atlantic Division’s roster.
Right now, Eichel, a fourth-year center, is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He could miss Thursday’s home tilt against the Florida Panthers.
In addition to Eichel, here is is full Atlantic Division roster the NHL announced tonight: (forwards) Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning; Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (captain) David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins; Steven Stamkos, Lightning; John Tavares, Maple Leafs; (defensemen) Thomas Chabot, Ottawa Senators, Keith Yandle, Florida Panthers; (goalies) Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings; Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens.
Former Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly earned a spot on the Central Division’s squad for the St. Louis Blues.
The NHL All-Star Game is Jan. 26 in San Jose.
