Karlsson Named to All-Star Game, Meier Next?

Erik Karlsson is an All-Star once again.

The NHL announced today that Karlsson, who leads all NHL defensemen with 13 goals, 40 assists, and 53 points, had made the Pacific Division squad along with Matty Beniers, Kevin Fiala, Nazem Kadri, Connor McDavid, Elias Pettersson, Troy Terry, and Logan Thompson.

This is Karlsson’s seventh All-Star Game nod and his second as a member of the San Jose Sharks. His first representing Team Teal was in Jan. 2019.

Karlsson told The Mercury News that he’s particularly excited about this All-Star Game because this will be the first one that his daughter Harlow, born in Oct. 2019, and son Stellan, born in Feb. 2022, will get to experience.

It’s been a renaissance campaign for Karlsson, who’s on pace for 111 points. If the San Jose Sharks defenseman achieves that, he would be the first blueliner to surpass the century mark in points since Brian Leetch in 1991-92.

The last three spots on the Pacific Division team will be decided by fan vote, which begins today and ends on Jan. 17.

On the San Jose Sharks, Timo Meier has the strongest case to join Karlsson on the Pacific. The winger’s 21 goals leads the Sharks and his 38 points trails just Karlsson on the team. Meier was San Jose’s lone All-Star last year.

This year’s All-Star Game will be on Feb. 4 from the Florida Panthers’ home, FLA LIVE Arena in Sunrise.