The host Columbus Blue Jackets had three players named Saturday among the 36 announced to fill out the 2015 NHL All-Star Game roster. The players in the January 25 mid-season showcase will be allocated to opposing teams in a fantasy player draft on January 23, after captains are announced next week.
Columbus fans will get to see three home players among the All-Stars — forwards Nick Foligno and Ryan Johansen and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. The 36 players named Saturday also included Pittsburgh Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Center Anze Kopitar and defenseman Drew Doughty of the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings were also selected. Those chosen by the league join the six players elected to the game by fan balloting: Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons and five Chicago Blackhawks players — Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Corey Crawford.
Peter Laviolette of the Nashville Predators and Darryl Sutter of the Los Angeles Kings will serve as head coaches for the contest.
