The American Hockey League announced the 48 players selected to its annual All-Star Game on Thursday, and there was no shortage of accompanying storylines.
Twelve rookies and seven first-round draft picks were named and, all told, 27 players participating have been recalled to the NHL already this season.
Here’s a quick look at some of the more eye-catching narratives:
• The seven first-round picks?
Rangers forward Nicklas Jensen (29th overall, ’11), Toronto forward Kasperi Kapanen (22nd overall, ’14), Devils forward John Quenneville (30th overall, ’14), Jets forward Jack Roslovic (25th overall, ’15), Stars d-man Julius Honka (14th overall, 14), Flames forward Mark Jankowski (21st overall, ’12) and Coyotes forward Brendan Perlini (12th overall, ’14).
• Utica d-man Jordan Subban, the younger brother of P.K. Subban, made his first-ever All-Star game. Subban failed to crack the Canucks out of training camp this year and has yet to be recalled, but has racked up eight goals and 20 points in 29 games for the Comets, and looked good doing so.
• B’s goalie prospect Zane McIntyre made it, but he might not be around for the festivities. With the struggling Anton Khudobin clearing waivers today, many expect McIntyre to get the call up to Boston, and begin serving as Tuukka Rask’s backup.
• We’ve written quite a bit about high-scoring Ducks blueliner Brandon Montour, and how he might affect Anaheim’s trade deadline strategy. Montour earned his second consecutive ASG nod, but his participation is questionable as he’s currently up with the Ducks.
• No shortage of veteran presences on this year’s roster. Minnesota’s Teemu Pulkkinen, claimed off waivers from Detroit earlier this season, will represent Iowa. Michael Leighton, the 35-year-old journeyman that saw some time with the ‘Canes this year, will represent Charlotte. And veteran AHLers like Chris Bourque (Capitals), T.J. Brennan (Flyers) and Brad Hunt (Blues) are all there as well.
Here’s the full roster breakdown:
Atlantic Division AHL All-Stars
F Chris Bourque (“C”), Hershey Bears (5th appearance)
F Travis Boyd, Hershey Bears (1st)
D T.J. Brennan, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (4th)
F Jake Guentzel, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (1st)
F Danton Heinen, Providence Bruins (1st)
G Tristan Jarry, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (1st)
F Nicklas Jensen, Hartford Wolf Pack (1st)
F Taylor Leier, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (1st)
G Zane McIntyre, Providence Bruins (1st)
D Devon Toews, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (1st)
F Jordan Weal, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (2nd)
D Mackenzie Weegar, Springfield Thunderbirds (1st)
Coach: Clark Donatelli, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (1st)
North Division AHL All-Stars
F Casey Bailey, Binghamton Senators (1st appearance)
D Mark Barberio, St. John’s IceCaps (3rd)
F Joe Blandisi, Albany Devils (1st)
F Yanni Gourde, Syracuse Crunch (1st)
F Kasperi Kapanen, Toronto Marlies (1st)
F Brendan Leipsic, Toronto Marlies (2nd)
G Charlie Lindgren, St. John’s IceCaps (1st)
F John Quenneville, Albany Devils (1st)
F Cole Schneider, Rochester Americans (1st)
D Jordan Subban, Utica Comets (1st)
D Matt Taormina, Syracuse Crunch (3rd)
G Linus Ullmark, Rochester Americans (1st)
Coach: Benoit Groulx, Syracuse Crunch (1st)
Central Division AHL All-Stars
F Spencer Abbott, Rockford IceHogs (1st appearance)
F Kenny Agostino, Chicago Wolves (1st)
F Oliver Bjorkstrand, Cleveland Monsters (1st)
D Alexandre Carrier, Milwaukee Admirals (1st)
F Ryan Craig (“C”), Cleveland Monsters (1st)
D Brad Hunt, Chicago Wolves (4th)
G Michael Leighton, Charlotte Checkers (5th)
F Matt Lorito, Grand Rapids Griffins (1st)
F Teemu Pulkkinen, Iowa Wild (2nd)
F Jack Roslovic, Manitoba Moose (1st)
D Robbie Russo, Grand Rapids Griffins (1st)
G Juuse Saros, Milwaukee Admirals (1st)
Coach: Todd Nelson, Grand Rapids Griffins (2nd)
Pacific Division AHL All-Stars
F Taylor Beck, Bakersfield Condors (1st appearance)
F Jonny Brodzinski, Ontario Reign (1st)
F A.J. Greer, San Antonio Rampage (1st)
G Troy Grosenick, San Jose Barracuda (1st)
D Julius Honka, Texas Stars (1st)
F Mark Jankowski, Stockton Heat (1st)
D Vincent LoVerde, Ontario Reign (2nd)
G Spencer Martin, San Antonio Rampage (1st)
D Brandon Montour, San Diego Gulls (2nd)
F Daniel O’Regan, San Jose Barracuda (1st)
F Brendan Perlini, Tucson Roadrunners (1st)
D Kyle Wood, Tucson Roadrunners (1st)
Coach: Mike Stothers, Ontario Reign (5th; 3rd as head coach)