from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

The smallness — you can call it quaint, if you’d like — of the National Hockey League became apparent once again with the naming of Nick Foligno as a captain for the NHL all-star game.

Like anyone really considers Foligno to be a star player?

And in keeping with this theme of small-time Foligno went on to choose fellow Blue Jacket Ryan Johansen with the first pick in the all-star draft.

The captain of the all-star game should be on the big names of the sport. Sidney Crosby (before he pulled out, which he always seems to do), Steven Stamkos. Patrick Kane. P.K. Subban — who somehow was left off the all-star roster.

Nope, it’s Foligno. Son of Mike. Decent guy. Decent player. Who gets the nod to be undeserved captain, thus turning an apparent signature event into a local event.

The NHL comes off as more house league than major league in the way all-star weekend began. One last point unrelated: This is Crosby’s 10th NHL season. He is the face of the game. He has played in one all-star game. Can anyone explain?

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