NHL took an unnecessary risk with it's best player

PUBLICATION

Josh
February 7, 2022 (5:44 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The NHL All-Star game this past weekend was probably one of my least favoruite iterations of the game ever. The 3 on 3 style that has excited fans through overtime periods was nowhere to be found and replaced by a boring, robotic and mean nothing game.

During the skills competition Jordan Kyrou was able to unseat McDavid as the NHL's fastest skater, but questions quickly began to arise about McDavid's health.

Jordan Kyrou, St. Louis Blues - 13.550s
Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings - 13.585s
Chris Kreider, NY Rangers - 13.664s
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers - 13.690s
Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche - 13.834s
Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets - 13.851s
Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings - 14.116s
Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals - 14.559s

There was a lot of talk about McDavid's performance in the event, but it turns out the World's Best Player wasn't at 100%

The NHL even went as far as to add Jonathan Marchessault to the Pacific team in case McDavid was unable to play. That brings up the question, why would the NHL risk the health of their best player for a meaningless all-star weekend? Why would the Oilers risk losing the most important piece to their team in spirit of what ends up being less enjoyable pond hockey?