Defensemen: Bouwmeester – okay, I know he won’t get any votes, but that is not the point here. The point is, HE’S JAY BOUWMEESTER AND HE’S TERRIBLE. Bergeron couldn’t get his slot? Hell, Giordano couldn’t get his slot?

Forwards: Crosby – hoy. Okay, on the one hand, marketing your stars is wise and how better to welcome him back than by inviting him to a game with practically no physical contact? In theory, it’s actually a good game for him to play in. It’s the All-Star game, it’s the least violent thing all year. On the other… come on, guys, it’s a little much, isn’t it? I mean, I’d sooner put Seguin up there than Crosby. It’s not like we can’t just wait for the next one, is it?

And finally, a positive note – Jaromir Jagr on the ballot. That is awesome, and I hope he plays. It would be all kinds of cool to see the old man back in the All-Star game. I really hope this happens. Definitely worth serious consideration, especially with how well he’s playing.

From a marketing standpoint it makes no sense not to include the most popular player on the Stanley cup champion Bruins roster. The NHL needs to learn from other sports how to make the rising young superstars the face of the league. Come January there will be many less deserving All Stars then the likes of Seguin and Nugent-Hopkins and for whatever the reason the NHL wants to keep them home. It’s baffling. But then again it’s stuff like this as to why the NHL has always been a sports after thought in the United States.