The initial list of participants for this year’s NHL All-Star game has been announced, one for each team. Representing the Arizona Coyotes this year will be forward Clayton Keller, making his fourth appearance at the event.
Keller has continued to be a significant player for the Coyotes this season. He has a team-leading 31 points in 36 games, and his 13 goals are third on the team behind Lawson Crouse (16) and Michael Carcone (14). He plays significant minutes on the Coyotes’ top line and wears an “A,” reflecting his many leadership qualities.
Not only will this be Keller’s fourth time representing the Desert Dogs at the All-Star game, but it will also be his third straight appearance. Keller also participated in 2019, 2022, and 2023.
While Keller was the clear favorite, he did have some competition this season. Lawson Crouse has come into his own as a goal scorer and leader, along with his linemate Matias Maccelli, who is second on the team in points with 27. Additionally, goaltender Connor Ingram has been hot with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage through 22 games this season.
While it is excellent that the Coyotes have players that at least make the All-Star selection conversation interesting, it was Keller’s spot to lose. He has been playing undeniably great hockey without the Coyotes’ top center, Barrett Hayton, and he will hopefully continue to excel as the season continues.