NHL All-Star Game: 10 Captains Who Got Snubbed

When NHL vice president Brendan Shanahan introduced a new NHL All-Star game format early this season, many fans felt the NHL was attempting to make the annual All-Star game more exciting and interesting to watch than the so called "shinny" All-Star games of the past.

Indeed the NHL, along with Shanahan's vision, was to transform the game into more of a showcase of NHL talent, decided to replace the historical alignment of East vs. West format for a new dimension.

With a concussion injury to Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crobsy, forcing him to, in all likelihood, miss the All-Star weekend and the fact that Calgary Flames icon Jarome Iginla has decided to withdraw from the game due to family reasons, the NHL had more than enough talented players to look upon to select their two All-Star game Captains.

Although the set-up is unique, it should be an interesting game nevertheless, let alone the hype that will be generated leading up to the game.

Though the recent announcement by the NHL, naming the two All-Star game captains was likely not an easy decision considering the talent that the NHL has attending the annual event.

Congratulations to Eric Staal of the hometown Carolina Hurricanes and Niklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings for their selection as Captains of this year's All-Star game.

It will be these men, along with alternate captains who will decide who will play for each come January 30th in Raleigh, N.C.

The NHL's attempt to draw the best 42 players currently playing the game, their are more than a few options as to who could be named captain in this historic All-Star game.

No doubt a tough decision, there can only be 2 captains, but these players are 10 players who have been snubbed as NHL All-Star Captain.

All deserving of the honor... you decide.

Shea Weber

Weber's value to the Nashville Predators goes without saying...so I'll say it anyway.

The streaky Preds are firmly grounded by their captain, who not only is their leader during tough times, but the good times as well. Weber is also their leading scorer.

Weber's value to this aggressive team is paramount. After struggling earlier in the season when the Preds lost many key players, it was Weber's consistent play and determination that led to the team's turnaround.

One of the up-and-coming premier defensemen in the game, Weber's appointment as Preds Captain is turning out to be a great decision by the Predators management and coaching staff.

The Predators have been on six different streaks so far this year, both winning and losing, but they have raced up the challenging Western Conference standings despite experiencing major injuries.

Sometimes he doesn't get the attention he deserves, but Weber should be considered an early Norris Trophy candidate for his play so far this season.

Mike Richards

Richards is the unquestioned leader of the Philadelphia Flyers and should have been one of the favorites to be one of the All-Star Game captains.

Richards' "hard work and determination" are staples of his game and his leadership by example is truly a quality that helps most teammates thrive.

The point production, followed by his physical presence, is hard to find in the NHL, especially when he is as consistent as he has been during his career.

The Flyers are considered to challenge for the Stanley Cup this season, and it will be the grit of their leader who will do whatever he can to lead his team to victory.

Richards would have been a great selection as All-Star Game captain. If this format is retained for next season, Richards would be already an early candidate as captain.

Hopefully, he will be named as an alternate for this year's squad.

Alex Ovechkin

Ovechkin could be looked upon as being a lock for one of the captains, but unfortunately that isn't going to be the case this season.

Ovechkin has struggled as of late in the goal-scoring department, but is working hard to lead a team that  many feel can play better.

The Caps captain is learning on the job that being an NHL captain can be both difficult and rewarding at times. In the end, it will serve Ovechkin well.

With so many worthy candidates, Ovechkin's time will come. However, it is Ovechkin's flair for the dramatic that would have made this All-Star game a bit more interesting had the "Great 8" been named captain...

Jonathan Toews

One of the premiere captains in the NHL, Jonathan Toews was a favorite to be named one of the All-Star Game captains.

The funny thing is that we may see his name more in the future as a NHL All-Star captain.

The young leader of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks is one of the most complete players in the game today. Toews' is the poster boy for the new generation of NHL captains who takes a bit of the "old school" approach and mixes it with the new era of the game.

While considered a star with the NHL, Toews could very well be one of the most underrated players in the game today.

He has the toolbox of talent, grit and maturity that will not only allow the young Stanley Cup winner a chance to win another, but help his team get there as well.

Like many players snubbed as All-Star Game captain, Toews' has won at numerous levels of hockey and will no doubt stand out during this year's All-Star Game.

Rick Nash

Not to put the fine people of Columbus, Ohio down, but if Rick Nash played in either New York City or Chicago, he would be one of the NHL's biggest stars.

Having said that, Columbus Blue Jackets fans already know the work ethic of their captain. His game-in and game-out approach has been consistent throughout his young career.

Not only is Nash a great player, he has also scored some nice highlight-reel goals in his career.

Another player with the flair for the dramatic.

Rick Nash would have been a great selection as All-Star Game captain, but in the end Nash is another one of these young players who are entering their prime.

There is a great chance that Nash will someday be named an NHL All-Star Game captain.

Henrik Sedin

If the Vancouver Canucks are to make to the Stanley Cup finals, then Henrik Sedin will be one of the players who takes them there.

The versatile scorer should have a field day during this season All-Star Game, especially if paired up with his brother Daniel.

Nevertheless, Sedin is a special player who many fans don't get to see enough of as the season moves along.

Henrik would make a fine All-Star Game captain.

Jarome Iginla

What can we say about Jarome Iginla. Even though he will not attend this year's All-Star Game due to family reasons, it would seem fitting if Jarome had decided to play, that he would be one of the Captains.

There was an outside chance that Iginla would be named one of the two Captains in Raleigh, but nevertheless Iginla has been a bright spot on a otherwise dark cloud that is the Calgary Flames.

Iginla, a constant All-Star, would have been an excellent selection considering the new format this season.

In all likelihood, Iginla may be attending his last All-Star Game as a member of the Flames with trade rumors and speculation that he might be moved before the trade deadline.

As for Jarome Iginla, no matter where he plays, he is considered an All-Star worthy to Captain any game.

Zdeno Chara

Chara would make a great captain for an All-Star Game. Now image him paired with All-Star Game captain Niklas Lidstrom...

Chara should be considered an early candidate for the Norris Trophy. He is one of the best rearguards in the game and is the leader of the Boston Bruins.

Chara's worth to the Bruins is huge and so is he!

The big defenseman recently scored a hat trick recently, helping the Bruins beat the All-Star Game host Carolina Hurricanes. His team allows the fewest goals currently in the NHL and Chara is a big reason for that.

One of the up and coming captains in the NHL, Chara would have brought great insight as on of the All-Star Game captains.

Chara should have gotten some attention to be one of the All-Star Game captains, maybe next time.

This year, he might settle for another hardest shot award? Wait and see...

Dan Boyle

Underrated defenseman Dan Boyle might sound weird, but for the San Jose Sharks it's not.

With the loss of retiring defenseman Rob Blake, Boyle was faced with changing his game slightly and the Sharks are a better team for that.

Boyle is another player who can do so many things during a game to help his team to success. His ability to read the game from the defenseman position is one of the things that make Boyle stand out, an All-Star indeed.

Naming Boyle as one of the captains might have been a slight stretch, but the Sharks defenseman is proving that he can be a great leader as well.

Maybe in the future, we will see more of Dan Boyle in this capacity.

Steve Stamkos

Steve Stamkos would have been a great selection as one of the All-Star Game captains.

The young Tampa Bay goal scorer is having a great season and leading the way for the surging Tampa Bay Lightning.

As another great young player in the game today, Stamkos would have done a excellent job selctiong players for his team.

Maybe well will see Stamkos as a future captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning?