NHL All Star Game 2011: Our Picks For The League's First All-Star Draft

So we've finally arrived at the NHL All-Star Weekend, and perhaps the most important part of the weekend, the All-Star Fantasy Draft.

To be honest, I think the Draft will probably attract more people than the actual game itself, although the NHL All-Star Game is what it is: an exhibition. While I'm not a huge fan of All-Star Games, at least the NHL should get credit for thinking outside the box and taking a shot with this fantasy draft idea. It can't make the All-Star Game much worse than the North America vs. The World format, and even that was more watchable than the Pro Bowl.

We've heard a lot about this format and what could happen with this fantasy draft tonight. Heck, how many stories have we seen about who could be picked last? I still think they should really go grassroots and use street hockey rules to pick the teams - put everyone's stick in a pile, divide the pile into two and those are the two teams - but that's just me. This will have to do for now.

So with that in mind, here's the Mock Fantasy Draft heading into tonight.

(A quick note to keep in mind: All goalies must be selected by the tenth round and all defensemen must be selected by the 15th round. Also the 12 rookies will be divided up and put onto teams).

Team Captains

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 22: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings skates in a game against the Chicago Black Hawks on January 22, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Hawks defeated the Wings 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Imag

Team Staal: Eric Staal, C, Carolina

Most people probably would've figured Sidney Crosby would be one of the captains, but from a PR perspective it made sense to make it Staal. He's the most identifiable player from the host team and the crowd will definitely go nuts when he's announced Sunday. Plus he's a pretty good player to boot

Team Lidstrom: Nicklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit

One of the greatest defensemen of our era, Norris Trophies galore, four Stanley Cup rings, the first European-born captain to win the Stanley Cup, a great ambassador for the game. Is there anything Lidstrom hasn't accomplished? He even had a hat trick.

Assistant Captains

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 26: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks tries to redirect the puck past goalie Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators during the second period in NHL action on January 26, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Col

Team Staal: Ryan Kesler, C, Vancouver

Kesler is one of the better two-way forwards in the game and had a very good chance of being named the Canucks' captain earlier in the year. He's also having a career year and is probably a lock for the Selke Trophy and possibly getting Hart Trophy love as well.

Team Lidstrom: Martin St. Louis, RW, Tampa Bay

How many years have we heard this will be the year St. Louis slows down? Yet it's never happened yet. He's not scoring goals like he used to, but he's still one of the better offensive talents in the game and a great right-hand man for Steve Stamkos.

Assistant Captains

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 25: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center on January 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Mike Green, D, Washington

Green is not having a Mike Green-type season, which led some to believe that this was possibly a publicity pick. But Green still has the ability to be one of the elite offensive players in the game from the blueline.

Team Lidstrom: Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago

With Crosby out, Kane might be one of the remaining players in the game that has non-hockey appeal and a name the casual fan might recognize. He's not having a Kane-like season either, but he still has the ability to burst out at any time.

First Round

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Pete Times Forum on January 25, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning defeated the Leafs 2-0. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/

Who selects first will actually be decided by a coin toss, but for the purpose of the Mock Draft, we'll have Team Staal select first

Team Staal: Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay

With no Sidney Crosby available, Stamkos is the best player available, not to mention the scoring leader entering the All-Star Break. Regardless of the team, he'll be the No. 1 pick, especially with teammate Marty St. Louis an assistant captain for team Lidstrom.

Team Lidstrom: Henrik Sedin, C, Vancouver

It could very well be Alex Ovechkin here, but if you're going by statistics, Henrik is having the far superior year. He's fallen back into his pattern of being more of an assist man than a goal-scorer like he was last season, but he's a proven No. 1 center and a dominant force.

Second Round

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TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 22: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates up the ice during game action at the Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Maple Leafs January 22, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Daniel Sedin, LW, Vancouver

With Henrik off the board, Ryan Kesler will have Staal's ear hard for brother Daniel, who's near the top of the league in goals. Mike Green will be pushing hard for Alex Ovechkin as well, but the other Sedin is the pick here as a left wing to go with Stamkos. Plus, part of me really wants to see the Twins on separate teams.

Team Lidstrom: Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington

Ovechkin won't last past the second round and Lidstrom knows the type of talent Ovechkin is. Plus, a center like Sedin who's more of a passer than a shooter is a perfect fit for Ovechkin, who loves to shoot and loves the spotlight.

Third Round

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 19: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers takes a break during his 7-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Henrik Lundqvist, G, New York Rangers

Expect goalies to start getting looks in Round 3, and while Staal might have his eye on teammate Cam Ward, Lundqvist is the best choice here. After a tough start, he's been outstanding considering the amount of injuries in front of him and perhaps the best goalie in the All-Star Game.

Team Lidstrom: Shea Weber, D, Nashville

Perhaps the most underrated young defenseman in the Game today and an absolute force. Plus, just think of that power play unit. Henrik Sedin with his passing, Lidstrom with his just overall skill and Weber Fulton Reed-ing shots from the point. And oh yeah, those Ovechkin and Kane guys.

Fourth Round

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 24: Goaltender Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins falls backwards as teammate Dennis Seidenberg #44 defends against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Staples Center on January 24, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Th

Team Staal: Dustin Byfuglien, D, Atlanta

Staal goes with a defenseman here with Weber off the board, and while they could have Duncan Keith, Byfuglien is extremely versatile as both a forward and a defenseman and can be moved around in certain situations, especially on the power play.

Team Lidstrom: Tim Thomas, G, Boston

With Lundqvist off the board, Lidstrom goes for possibly the second best goaltender available in Thomas. He may be getting older and his style is unconventional, to say the least. But the man still gets it done and he still wins, finding any way he can to keep pucks out of the net.

Fifth Round

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 25: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against Nick Schultz #55 of the Minnesota Wild at the United Center on January 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-2. (Photo by Jonathan

Team Staal: Duncan Keith, D, Chicago

This is where you'll start to see defensemen and goalies get real long looks because of the rules and there are plenty of good forwards to be had later on. Keith brings offensive upside, but more importantly, can be a defensive stopper, which Staal doesn't have yet.

Team Lidstrom: Jonathan Toews, C, Chicago

Kane will be pushing for Toews, and even though his numbers aren't superb, he's just a winner who does everything well who you'd love to have on your team. Kane and Toews together on the same line, that equates to magic and driving Team Staal crazy. 

Sixth Round

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SUNRISE, FL - JANUARY 19: RJ Umberger #18 (R) and Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets raise their sticks and celebrate Nash's winning goal against the Florida Panthers on January 19, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Blue Jac

Team Staal: Rick Nash, LW, Columbus

Staal knows Nash from his days last winter in Vancouver, and Nash is just one of those guys you'd love to have on your team. He's a leader, he's gritty and he just a guy who no one has a bad word about. He's also pretty darn good, too.

Team Lidstrom: Jonas Hiller, G, Anaheim

From being in the West, Lidstrom knows more than most how good Hiller can be when he's on. He's the reason why Anaheim is battling for a playoff spot and he's proven he can carry them in the postseason before. Lidstrom gets a steal here.

Seventh Round

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 26: Goalie Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes turns to see a shot by the New York Islanders hit the post during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum on January 26, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo

Team Staal: Cam Ward, G, Carolina

Staal waits long enough and takes his teammate Ward as his second goalie. Ward might not be as highly publicized as some of the other choices, but he's just as consistent and when he's on, just as good. He's been healthy this season too, which is a big plus for Staal and the Hurricanes.

Team Lidstrom: Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh

Lidstrom should be familiar with Letang, considering they faced each other in the Final two consecutive years not that long ago. Letang's finally blossomed into an all-around defensemen who's solid defensively and also stepping into the role of power play quarterback offensively. Easily his best season as a pro so far.

Eighth Round

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20: Daniel Briere #48 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Ottawa Senators on January 20, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Daniel Briere, C, Philadelphia

It wasn't too long ago there was talk about Briere not living up to his contract and being possible trade bait. Now entering the All-Star Game, he's among the league leaders in goals, playing on the team with the most points in the league and playing well enough that there was outrage he wasn't originally selected to the team.

Team Lidstrom: Patrick Sharp, LW, Chicago

A former Flyer who's turned into a star in Chicago. He can play either center or wing, is having a career year and is very comfortable contributing in a secondary scoring role. Plus, Kane'll want him too to fill out a line with him and Toews.

Ninth Round

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MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 22: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks collides with Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 22, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Ducks defeated the Canadiens 4-3 in a

Team Staal: Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim

A physical power forward with pest-like qualities, a mean streak and one of the better offensive players in the game to boot. You think Brian Burke doesn't wish he could've taken Perry with him to Toronto?

Team Lidstrom: Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh

When Fleury's off, it can get pretty ugly with some of the goals he lets in. But boy when he's on...

10th Round

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 25: Goalie Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens skates out to clear the puck in an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 25, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Pau

Team Staal: Carey Price, G, Montreal

Because of the rules, all six goalies have to be taken by Round 10 and with one goalie left, Staal has to take Price here. He's not getting a bad deal, however. Some nights Price is the only reason the Canadiens are in the hunt for a playoff berth, especially considering the injuries.

Team Lidstrom: Zdeno Chara, D, Boston

Lidstrom takes another big defenseman with two-way capabilities, although using the word big to describe the hulking Chara might be somewhat of an understatement. Quietly does his job and is still one of the best in the game.

11th Round

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Dan Boyle #22 of the San Jose Sharks reaches for the puck as Kyle Clifford #13 of the Los Angeles Kings defends at Staples Center on January 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Dan Boyle, D, San Jose

Staal could use a defenseman, and with Boyle still available in the 11th round, he'll steal him here. Boyle can quarterback a power play, be a puck-mover and can also push the play and make a very good outlet pass out of the zone to the forwards. In other words, he's Mike Green, but he can also play defense.

Team Lidstrom: Claude Giroux, C, Philadelphia

Lidstrom can appreciate a strong two-way winger, and Giroux's one of the better ones. He kills penalties, plays the power play, is a top-six type of talent, and is dangerous any time he's on the ice. There are a bunch of teams who would love to have Giroux, and Lidstrom will sweep him up here.

12th Round

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings controls the puck against the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center on January 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Marc Staal, D, New York Rangers

Did we really think this wasn't going to happen, even when Marc joked his brother Eric was "too mouthy". Unless Lidstrom pulls him out earlier, Eric will take Marc. Because we all know never to go against the family. The Godfather and Marie Barone taught us that.

Team Lidstrom: Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles Kings

Lidstrom sees that move and counters by taking the very underrated (and very good) Kopitar from the Kings, who's turned into an offensive force as well as an adequate and responsible defensive player. Just the type of player Lidstrom loves to have on his team.

13th Round

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 05: (L-R) Mike Ribeiro #63, Brad Richards #91 and Brenden Morrow #10 of the Dallas Stars celebrate Ribeiros' 1st period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 5, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Stars defea

Team Staal: Brad Richards, C, Dallas

Staal takes Richards with Kopitar off the board, a play making center who can dazzle as well as play all three forward positions and the point on the power play. Sometimes a forgotten star, even though he's been rumored to be traded for months.

Team Lidstrom: Brent Burns, D, Minnesota

A solid two-way defenseman, but he's been very good offensively this season. He's second among defensemen in foals and quarterbacked the Wild power play. Best of all, he's been healthy this season, which is great news for Lidstrom and for Burns.

14th Round

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 20, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Keith Yandle, D, Phoenix

The defensemen have to be gone by the next round, so Staal takes his last defenseman in Yandle, who leads the league in scoring by a defenseman. He's quietly put up another great season in the desert (is there any other way to have a good season for the Coyotes other than quietly) and also brings size as well.

Team Lidstrom: Erik Karlsson, D, Ottawa

The lone representative in what has been a trying season for the Senators, Karlsson struggled mightily early but has come on late. He's very young and has great offensive upside, so the future is looking up for him. Plus considering he's Swedish, odds are he probably watched Lidstrom growing up.

15th Round

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 05: (L-R) Brenden Morrow #10, Brad Richards #91 and Loui Eriksson #21 of the Dallas Stars celebrate Morrows' 1st period goal as Duncan Kieth #2 and Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks skate away at the United Center on Janua

Team Staal: Loui Eriksson, RW, Dallas

Staal takes the initiative of pairing up Richards with his normal winger in Eriksson, who's starting to become one of the game's great young snipers.

Team Lidstrom: Matt Duchene, C, Colorado

One of the great young players in the game and having another strong season for the Avalanche, which is still battling for a playoff spot despite some growing pains in his sophomore season.

16th Round

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 18: Paul Stastny #26 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center on January 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Imag

Team Staal: Paul Stastny, C, Colorado

On a young Colorado team, Stastny is the elder statesman. He brings a play making style to his game and is very good in this type of environment. He was one of the better players for Team USA back in the Vancouver Olympics.

Team Lidstrom: David Backes, C, St. Louis

Backes is a grit guy who'd fit in perfectly centering the third or checking line and doesn't mind playing a more defensive type of game. He's a perfect fit for that team.

17th Round

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 06: Patrik Elias #26 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Prudential Center on January 6, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Team Staal: Patrik Elias, LW, New Jersey

Why Elias is here, I don't know. To be honest no Devil should really be in the All-Star Game this year. Yet here we are and Elias will have to be picked by someone, so why not just put a veteran presence on a pretty young team.

Team Lidstrom: Martin Havlat, LW, Minnesota

Havlat has had a bounce-back season after a very poor campaign last year. It won't make him the No. 1 overall pick, but it's good enough to keep him from the bottom of the All-Star Barrel.

18th Round

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 5, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty I

The last round. I have an image of two guys sitting in an empty conference room looking at each other while everyone else whispers in the captain's ear about who to take.

Team Staal: Jeff Skinner, F, Carolina

Staal has no choice here, he has to take the rookie Skinner, who could very well end up winning the Calder Trophy. Plus, it'd just work out to have all three Hurricanes on the same team representing the host club. Do we smell conspiracy?

Team Lidstrom: Phil Kessel, RW, Toronto

The NHL's Mr. Irrelevant. It makes sense he's a Maple Leaf. Although if there was any Leaf worthy of an All-Star nod, it's Kessel. I'd think he'd have to be for what they gave up for him.

So Who Wins?

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 18: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on January 18, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Both teams are loaded with talent and game breakers who can take over a game. Stamkos is one of the best young scorers around and Ovechkin can break through at any time. Defense is not going to be a point of emphasis by any stretch of the imagination, and both of these teams can put up goals.

So it will come down to who has the better goaltenders and which group plays better. All six of these goalies have that game-stealing potential, but I think I like the trio of Thomas, Hiller and Fleury a little bit better than I do Lundqvist, Ward and Price.

With that in mind, I'm going with Team Lidstrom (I could've very easily made a bunch of Twilight jokes in this slide show but I didn't) to get the win and take home the All-Star title.