Trocheck, Connor replacing injured Eichel, Bedard at ASG
New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck and Winnipeg Jets sniper Kyle Connor will replace the injured Jack Eichel and Connor Bedard at next month's All-Star Weekend, the league announced Monday.
Trocheck last appeared at the All-Star Game in 2017. He'll now be joining goaltender Igor Shesterkin as the Big Apple's representatives at the festivities. Trocheck is currently tied with Mika Zibanejad for the second-most points (44) and third-most goals (15) on the Rangers across 46 contests. He's on pace for around 78 points, which would be a new career high.
Connor, meanwhile, is also in line for his second All-Star appearance after representing the Jets in 2022. The 27-year-old leads Winnipeg with 18 goals in 28 outings this campaign. Connor missed 16 contests with a knee injury, but he appeared no worse for wear after scoring a goal in his return. Winnipeg now has three representatives with Connor in the mix, alongside netminder Connor Hellebuyck and head coach Rick Bowness.
Eichel has been out of action since suffering a lower-body injury Jan. 11. The Vegas Golden Knights center is considered week-to-week after he underwent surgery to address the ailment a few days later.
Bedard hasn't played since fracturing his jaw Jan. 5. The Chicago Blackhawks rookie was given a six-to-eight-week recovery timeline after getting surgery.
As it stands now, neither Vegas nor Chicago will have a player participating in the All-Star Game.
All-Star Weekend kicks off Feb. 1 in Toronto.