Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick will not participate in the All-Star Game this weekend, Sportsnet’s John Shannon was first to report (Twitter link). He’s dealing with a nagging injury and will take the time to rest. Per league rules, Quick will be ineligible to dress for the first game after the break since he is still slated to dress as the backup for their game tonight against Calgary. Shannon adds that Flames netminder Mike Smith is expected to be named to the All-Star Game as Quick’s replacement.
More notes from the Pacific Division:
- Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury that was sustained in Tuesday’s game against Columbus, notes Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He’s expected to be out for their game on Thursday versus the Islanders. Blueliner Jason Garrison has been recalled from AHL Chicago and is expected to play in his first NHL game since October 13th.
- Even though they’ve already made a move to add a goaltender in Al Montoya, James O’Brien of NBC’s Pro Hockey Talk makes the case that the Oilers should look into adding another netminder. Cam Talbot has struggled considerably as of late and is only signed for one more year after this one, similar to Montoya. If GM Peter Chiarelli has reservations about whether or not Talbot is the right fit for them for the long-term, they would be wise to look into someone who could take on more of the workload, especially since they will have expectations of trying to contend next season.
- Although Canucks winger Thomas Vanek was only able to land a third-round pick (plus depth defender Dylan McIlrath) in a trade at the deadline last year, Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province suggests that Vancouver GM Jim Benning should be asking for a higher return one year later in the form of a second-round pick. Vanek has been a valuable veteran for the Canucks and sits second on the team in scoring with 35 points (14-21-35) in 48 games. For comparison, Vanek had played in 48 games last season with Detroit before they moved him to Florida and in that span, the 34-year-old had collected 38 points (15-23-38).
Wish Jake Allen was an all star. It’d be nice to see a blues goaltender playing in the all star game!
Jake Allen??? His back up has better numbers. A goalie two teams gave up on.
NHL is ridiculous. Suspending someone for skipping an exhibition game
The NHL provides a league to make toms of money for these guys. This weekend is for the fans that make that happen so I don’t see a problem with requiring the selected players to play and make the All-Star game all it can be.
Quick is injured. He is not skipping it to go to the beach
Had he not dressed as the backup last night, I believe he would have avoided the suspension(also didn’t help he just played on the 23rd). Pretty much the league feels if you are healthy enough to play(or potentially play in Quick’s case), you’re healthy enough to participate in All Star weekend.
Exactly. If he really is hurt, missing that next game shouldn’t be too big of a deal. I’m not saying he’s going to the beach, but considering he dressed, he’s probably looking for rest not too hurt to play.