Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom named to NHL All-Star Game

The Vancouver Canucks will have more than player representing them at the NHL All-Star Game later this month.

While we wait and see if Quinn Hughes joins Elias Pettersson in St. Louis for the annual event via the NHL’s “Last Men In” fan vote, Jacob Markstrom was selected today.

Markstrom will replace Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who has declined his invitation to represent the Pacific Division.

The Golden Knights and Marc-Andre are grateful for the support and understanding from the NHL and all the fans around the league.

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 4, 2020

This is the first All-Star nod for Markstrom, but also a very deserving one. The 29-year-old is enjoying the best start to a season of his career, and is a major reason why the Canucks are holding down a playoff spot at the midway point of the season.

Markstrom has compiled a 14-11-3 record, and his .917 save percentage currently ranks seventh among all starting goalies.

See also:

• Canucks coach Travis Green narrowly misses out on NHL All-Star Game
• Canucks are the hottest team in the NHL and on pace to make the playoffs
• NHL announces rosters for the 2020 All-Star Game

This is the first time the Canucks will send multiple players to the All-Star Game since 2012, when Henrik and Daniel Sedin were joined by Alex Edler.

Markstrom is the first Canucks goalie to earn an All-Star nod since Roberto Luongo in 2009. Previous Vancouver netminders to be named to the mid-season event include: Gary Smith (1975), Richard Brodeur (1983 – did not play), John Garrett (1983 – replaced Brodeur), Kirk McLean (1990 and 1992), and Roberto Luongo (2007, 2008 did not play, and 2009).

NHL All-Star Weekend will take place January 24 and 25.