Cole Caufield
There is no other Canadiens player more deserving of an All-Star Game than Cole Caufield. The whole purpose of an All-Star Weekend is to entertain the fans in the stands and those who still tune in from around the world.
Who plays a more entertaining game on the Canadiens than Caufield? The guy can score goals from anywhere on the ice and has the speed, skills and of course the shot that would be on full display during an all out offensive game like an All Star Game.
Caufield has also overcome a slow stretch and has 17 goals and 39 points in 49 games this season. That doesn't put him among the league leaders, but it does put him well ahead of a few players who are participating this weekend.
Tom Wilson, for example, has 12 goals and just 21 points in 46 games this season. Wouldn't it make more sense to have a pure goal scorer with elite skills like Caufield instead of a gritty, hardworking winger with some skills, like Tom Wilson, at an All-Star Game?
Of course, the only reason Wilson is there is because the NHL insists on having a player from each team. But what makes more sense? Ensuring a player from each team is in attendance, or having a couple of extra players from the Maple Leafs biggest rival on the ice in Toronto to face the handful of players from the local team?
You would think the elite skill would win out, but the NHL refuses to change old rules, no matter how nonsensical on non impactful they have proven to be over the years. As such, a trio of Canadiens will stay home when they should be attending the All-Star Game this weekend.