In a completely stunning decision that had the hockey world up-in-arms, dazed, and confused all simultaneously, the NHL announced that the Edmonton Oilers’ representative at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto would be Connor McDavid.
Oh, that was something that was assumed and no one is surprised? Don’t mind the dramatic introduction then.
McDavid will be heading to the All-Star Game for the seventh time, having played in every All-Star weekend since 2017 (with the exception of the cancelled 2021 NHL All-Star Weekend).
This season, despite a slow start due to injuries, McDavid has turned it up a notch and rebounded. Currently, he has 14 goals and 54 points through the team’s first 36 games (and 34 games played for him). He may not be on Rocket Richard pace this season, but he has vaulted himself up the scoring leaderboard and placed himself back in amongst the league’s top scorers.
There are still 12 all-star spots to fill, however, that are being left up to a fan vote. And with the Oilers having five players with 35 or more points on the season, there are plenty of deserving options to choose from.
Who might end up joining McDavid in Toronto? Here are some of those players.
Draisaitl is an obvious choice
Leon Draisaitl is another player who is almost presumed to be headed to the All-Star Weekend once again. If he does get voted in, he will be making his fifth consecutive appearance.
Draisaitl is arguably the second best player in the league and is off to yet another fantastic start to the 2023–24 season. Currently, he has 18 goals and 42 points in 36 games.
He is developing his specialty as a power play wizard and is likely the best in the league at scoring from below the faceoff circle, with his patented one-timer from barely above the goal line that somehow finds a way into the net.
That is not to say he is one-dimensional, however. For example, in the past he has been regarded as the best passer in the league. Back in 2019, he won the Premier Passing competition at the All-Star Weekend.
Hyman is very deserving
Since signing a big free agent deal with the Oilers in 2021, Zach Hyman has done nothing but grow and continue to impress everyone in Oil Country. Each season thus far, he has set a career high in all offensive categories. His pace in 2023–24 shows him continuing that trend for goals and possibly points.
After 36 games, Hyman has 25 goals and 40 points. He currently sits near the top five in goals league wide. And has had three hat tricks this season alone.
Watching him play, he is always one of the hardest working players on the ice, leading to him being a solid performer analytically.
Hyman has the favour of the active Oilers fanbase, which bodes well for gaining votes. He also plays and has chemistry with McDavid, which makes him an appealing option to go to the All-Star Game to play with his linemate.
Can Nugent-Hopkins make his second appearance?
The unsung hero of the Edmonton Oilers, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, is a very deserving candidate to head to Toronto for the All-Star Weekend.
It would not be his first career appearance at the NHL All-Star Game, as he went back in 2015, but with Nugent-Hopkins being in his prime and on his way to a second consecutive point-per-game season, he might have enough in his performance to capitalize on being adored by the fanbase.
Sitting at 37 points in 36 games, he may be a bit on the lower side in production compared to others who have been selected, but his chemistry with McDavid and name recognition by Oilers fans could be enough to win a spot.
Bouchard is worthy of your votes
Evan Bouchard and his Bouch-bombs deserve an appearance at the All-Star Game this season. The grizzled vet has blossomed into one of the best defenders in the league this season, someone who should have a legitimate case for the Norris Trophy.
Through 36 games, Bouchard is top-five in scoring league-wide for defenders with 39 points. He is on pace for one of the best offensive seasons for a defender in Oilers history, and the best by anyone not named Paul Coffey.
His offensive focus is a perfect match for what the All-Star Game is, so it makes perfect sense to vote for Bouchard to join McDavid.
Gagner a fan favourite
Let’s face it, the remaining players are being decided on a fan vote. With the size of the Oilers fanbase combined with the love for Sam Gagner in Oil Country (and around some of the other organizations he has played in), he could very easily find himself voted to join the All-Star Weekend. We saw what happened with John Scott all those years ago, after all.
Which Edmonton Oilers are you voting for to go to the 2024 All-Star Game? Drop a comment down below!
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
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