Stanley Cup champions Nathan Mackinnon, and Mikko Rantanen highlights Central Division, joins 2023 NHL All-Star Game via fan vote

Stanley Cup champions forward Nathan Mackinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellybuyck join the 2023 NHL All-Star game run. They along with 9 other participants will now begin preparations for the upcoming February match. 

The Avalanche duo and Jets goalie were added to the roster on Thursday night. They’ll be joining Cale Makar. As of now, Mackinnon has been invited to the game for 6 consecutive seasons, whereas, Rantanen joined the flurry 2 times. 

Earlier in January, Rantanen told The Denver Gazette, “I don’t really ever think about that”. “If I get selected, it’s a big honor, obviously, to be a part of those guys. There are a lot of good players there. But I don’t ever think about it like I need to go there, or I should be there.” “If I get the rest, it’s probably better.”

Related: Sidney Crosby ties Jaromir Jagr’s record in representing Penguins at NHL All-Star Game 2023

Nathan Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen joins Cale Makar for 2023 All-Star Game

This season, Rantanen has shown off his historic plays one after another, even surpassing Joe Sakic in 2 All-Time statistical categories. When compared to Sakic, Rantanen said, “I don’t know. He still has two (Stanley) Cups. That’s the difference”. “It’s an honor, obviously. … But you can’t do it alone. Linemates are helping me a lot.”

Apart from defending Stanley Cup champions, a highlight has also been given to the reigning “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner Auston Matthews for his participation as an All-Star via fan vote. 

Unfortunately, it seems, Sidney Crosby’s wish didn’t come true, as from the Metropolitan Division, Rangers Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin were added to the list. From the Atlantic Division, Matthews, Boston Bruins David Pastrnak, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy joined the group.

Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl and Stuart Skinner joined teammate and captain, Connor McDavid. Apart from Leon and Skinner, Vancouver Canucks Bo Horvat joined the race. Mackinnon, this regular season recorded 49 points in  32 games with 13 goals and 36 assists.

In his NHL career, Mackinnon recorded, 697 points with 255 goals and 442 assists in 670 games. Rantanen on the other hand made a score of 56 points with 31 goals and 25 assists in 43 games. In his NHL career, he recorded 464 points in 451 games with 196 goals and 268 assists.

List of players participating in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game:

Atlantic Divison:

Metropolitan Division:

Central Division:

Pacific Division:

In case you missed:

WATCH – Max Pacioretty’s lower-body injury overshadows Hurricanes’ 5-2 win against Wilds, NHL Twitter reacts

WATCH: Brady Tkachuk welcomes 7-year-old Daniel Maloney Make-A-Wish participant prior game against Penguins

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW