Becoming an NHL All-Star isn’t what it used to be. Today’s glitzy 3-on-3 format between four divisions is more entertaining than the regular 5-on-5 no-checking game of the past. But if Nazem Kadri isn’t representing the Avalanche in the mid-winter classic next month, something’s wrong.
Kadri, the Avs’ second-line center, entered Friday leading the team with 48 points in 30 games and atop the league with 35 assists. He plays on the No. 1 power play and penalty kill for a team that leads the Western Conference in winning percentage (.712) and should be guaranteed to make his first All-Star appearance.