This season the NHL is trying something different with their All-Star game as they have shifted to an international tournament with teams from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. The rosters will be comprised completely of NHL players with rosters finalized at the end of November and into December.
Recently, the Daily Faceoff made their predictions for each of the rosters and the one thing that stood out is that there were not many players from the Los Angeles Kings. In fact, there was only one as Adrian Kempe was projected to be on Team Sweden.
Kempe has been one of the best players on the Los Angeles Kings the past few seasons and has continued that strong play this season. After averaging almost a point per game last season, Kempe has continued that pace and through 12 games he has 10 points with four goals and six assists.
However, there weren't many other players who were even mentioned in the article for consideration. Quinton Byfield was listed as a player considered for Team Canada but the young center has been a pretty big disappointment to start the season and it's hard to imagine he can turn it around over the next few weeks.
Can Alex Laferriere be a surprise addition to Team USA?
One player to watch that might be a surprise addition to this tournament is Alex Laferriere for Team USA. He currently is in the Top 10 in goals this season at eight and is playing incredible hockey right now.
The challenge for Laferriere is that the Forward group for Team USA is absolutely stacked with players like Auston Matthews, Jack Huges, Kyle Connor, and Matthew Tkachuk. However, if Laferriere continues his pace through November it will be tough for Team USA to not include him on their roster.