The all-star game does contribute to hockey-related revenues, which are important to the NHL, its owners and players, but is it time for the league to look at a different showcase for its stars? Or place the game at a different time in the schedule, not right before the playoff push?

As it’s the players selected as all-stars who carry the heavy workloads for their respective teams, no one – owners, coaches, teammates or fans – is going to fault a superstar for wanting to be at their best when it matters most.

-Leah Hextall. Read more from her at Global News.