Igor Shesterkin named NHL All Star for Rangers, Artemi Panarin to miss event
On Thursday, the NHL announced the All-Stars heading for Toronto for the NHL All-Star game at Scotiabank Arena on February 3rd. Of the 32 players named, Igor Shesterkin was the New York Rangers selection.
Of course, that had many fans questioning why Artemi Panarin, the team’s leading scorer and clear-cut MVP was not taken instead. After the Rangers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks last night 4-1, the Breadman dished out the news.
“Hi Rangers Fans,” Panarin said in a video. “Sadly, I can’t go to the All-Star Game this year – my wife and I are expecting our second baby and I can’t wait for this moment.”
Panarin, 32, upped his season totals to 53 points in 37 games after scoring a goal and an assist against the Hawks. We congratulate the Panarin family and wish them nothing but the best.
The rest of the lineup will be decided in the 2024 NHL All-Star Fan Vote. From now until January 11, fans can vote on the remaining 12 skaters at NHL.com/vote, the NHL app, or Twitter (now X).
NHL All-Star Weekend will run from February 1st to the 3rd.
Related: Great Rangers performances at the All-Star Game
Igor Shesterkin named to the NHL All Star Team
Shesterkin, 28, will be making his second appearance at the NHL All-Star Game, both as a member of the New York Rangers.
This season, he’s posted a 16-8-0 record to date. His current GAA is 2.75 with a .908 save percentage. Shesterkin has won 6 of his last 7 starts.
In last season’s All-Star Game, Panarin registered 3 assists. Unfortunately, the Metro Division was eliminated by the Atlantic Division in a 10-6 contest. The Rangers did also have two other players in Florida for the festivities, with Adam Fox recording an assist and Shesterkin stopping 5 of 9 shots.
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