Matt Duchene named to 2016 NHL All Star Game

The NHL has selected Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene to represent the Avalanche in the 2016 NHL All-Star Game.

After a slow start to the 2016 season where Duchene scored just 2 points in the month of October, Matt Duchene went on a jaw dropping tear during the month of November, scoring 11 goals and 20 points in just 14 games. Duchene was named the NHL’s Third Star of the month for his efforts. Now Matt Duchene leads the Avalanche in goals with 18 and points with 33 (tied with Nathan MacKinnon).

This is Matt Duchene’s 2nd trip to the All-Star game after representing the Avalanche during his sophomore season in 2011.

Joining Matt Duchene on the Central Division team are Chicago Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Dallas Stars forwards Tyler Seguin and John Klingberg, and St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko. On the blue line Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will join a pair of Nashville Predators defensemen in Shea Weber and Roman Josi. In net, Pekka Rinne will also represent the hometown Predators while goaltender Devan Dubnyk represents the Minnesota Wild.

Duchene shared his thoughts with avalanche.nhl.com this morning:

This year’s NHL All Star game features a new 3-on-3 format with division-based teams facing off in three 20-minute games.

The 2016 Honda NHL All-Star celebration will include the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Skills Competition on Saturday, Jan. 30, and the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Tournament on Sunday, Jan. 31, where players will face off in a winner-take-all $1 million inter-division tournament.

Check out NHL.com’s press release for the full 2016 NHL All Star Game rosters.