Hagelin, Diaz and Neal In For All-Star Weekend

The All-Star changes continued with just one more day before the break becomes official.

Alex Ovechkin’s decision not to take part in the All-Star weekend has opened up the opportunity for another player, who was perhaps a little unlucky to miss out first time around. Pittsburgh’s James Neal has been selected as Ovechkin’s replacement. Neal has 27 goals so far this season, and is currently in a tie for second in the league.

Carl Hagelin and Rafael Diaz have also been added to the rookie affair with New Jersey rookies Adam Henrique and Adam Larsson missing out with injuries. Neither player is likely to miss much time, but decided to rest up for the final stretch of the season.

Hagelin has eight goals, 16 points and a +13 rating in 29 games with the Rangers this season, and lately has been a regular feature on the team’s top six. Diaz has been a bright spot for a struggling Montreal team. He has three goals and 14 points, while taking on defensive responsibility during spells where the blue-line was hit hard by injuries.