5 Players That Should Garner Write-in Support for the NHL All-Star Game

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard and Florida Panthers forward Kris Versteeg are two deserving NHL All-Stars this season that were left off the fan voting ballot.

The NHL announced the first six players to the game on Thursday as fan voting closed. Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, Daniel Alfredsson, Dion Phaneuf, Erik Karlsson and Tim Thomas won the fan voting process at their respective positions.

Let's look at some write-in players who were left off the ballot but should be included on the All-Star rosters when the NHL Hockey Operations staff selects the remaining players in the coming weeks.

Tyler Seguin, Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins forward leads the team in points and the NHL in plus/minus, but he only finished 28th in fan voting among forwards as a write-in candidate.

Seguin has become a very good offensive player this season, and his defensive skills have also improved quite well.

He certainly deserves to be mentioned as a player worthy of an All-Star selection.

Marc-Andre Bergeron, Tampa Bay Lightning

Marc-Andre Bergeron of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been one of the team's best players this season and has scored 23 points. He has also played very well in his own end.

Bergeron's two-way play and consistent performance this season make him a very deserving All-Star selection for someone who wasn't even on the fan voting ballot.

Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings

Jimmy Howard has been tremendous this season for the Detroit Red Wings and has become top goaltender in the NHL. He was foolishly left off the ballot.

Howard leads the NHL in wins with 24 and has put up good numbers despite not having a reliable backup behind him that can give him a rest.

Without Howard's consistent play this season, the Red Wings would be far worse off in the standings than they are now.

Brian Elliott, St. Louis Blues

Brian Elliott is a legitimate Vezina Trophy candidate this season because of his tremendous play for the St. Louis Blues.

Elliott is third in save percentage and second in GAA, and he should be one of the first goaltenders selected by the NHL Hockey Operations staff.

Kris Versteeg, Florida Panthers

Kris Versteeg has really become an all-around star this season for the surprising Florida Panthers, who have held onto their lead of the Southeast division after a great start to the season.

Versteeg has scored 17 goals with 21 assists, which leads the Panthers in scoring. For a guy left off the ballot altogether, Versteeg is well deserving of an All-Star selection.