NHL All-Star Weekend begins with fun and intrigue for Rangers
The New York Rangers were well represented at NHL All-Star Weekend on Thursday with coach Peter Laviolette, goalie Igor Shesterkin, and forward Vincent Trocheck all in attendance.
“So far it’s been a little hectic, but it’s really cool,” said a happy Trocheck holding his son close. “To be able to do this with him is something we’ll both remember forever.”
Speaking of Trocheck, he was a late addition to the roster. That being said, the two-way center was receiving high-praise from players like Auston Matthews and his head coach.
“What’s really special about Vincent for me is the way he plays the game,” Laviolette noted. “It’s his character. You get to know players, it’s what he brings to the locker room, ability to play in different situations. He’s a great person, and he really deserves to be here.”
Related: Vincent Trocheck shocked at Filip Chytil injury
Rangers start NHL All-Star Weekend with some fun
On Thursday night, after all the media hoopla, four designated celebrity captains along with NHL captains conducted a draft. Both Shesterkin and Trocheck ended up being selected by Justin Bieber and Auston Matthews.
Team Matthews
- Clayton Keller, F, Arizona
- Alex DeBrincat, F, Detroit
- Filip Forsberg, F, Nashville
- Mathew Barzal, F, NY Islanders
- Vincent Trochek, F. NY Rangers
- Auston Matthews, F, Toronto
- William Nylander, F, Toronto
- Mitch Marner, F, Toronto
- Morgan Rielly, D, Toronto
- Igor Shesterkin, G, NY Rangers
- Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas
Team Matthews will open up the All-Star game against Team Hughes, which has a familiar face in Frank Vatrano from the Anaheim Ducks on it.
Recently, Vatrano’s name has surfaced in trade rumors with a possible return to Broadway. Forever Blueshirts Executive Editor Jim Cerny, who is in Toronto covering the action caught up with the former Ranger.
“Playing in New York was the biggest thing that’s happened in my career to this point,” Vatrano said. “When I was there, I loved it, and playing with those guys (Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider) was unbelievable.”
Of course, when it comes to the rumors, Vatrano claims he’s not “aware” and added that he’s “happy in Anaheim” and doesn’t want to go anywhere. He did also admit that’s something not in his control.
Should a reunion occur by the Mar. 8th trade deadline, the Rangers would surely welcome him back with open arms.
“Frankie was always an awesome teammate, always an awesome player,” Trocheck told Forever Blueshirts. “Him being an All-Star is not a surprise based on how he played in the past. It’s more opportunity. He’s a spectacular goal scorer and if you continue to give him the opportunity, he’s going to continue to do great things.”
The All-Star Skills competition is Friday night at 7 p.m. ET. with the All-Star Game set for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. Whichever team wins, they will split a $1 million prize.
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