Rangers star explains why he backed out of NHL All-Star Game, urges fans to vote for teammates

Despite being one of the NHL's top point-getters this season, New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin revealed that he'll miss this year's All-Star festivities. However, you can't top his excuse. 

In a message posted by the Rangers on social media, Panarin explained that his wife is expecting, so he's offering his spot to another worthy player while hoping fans might send one of his teammates instead. 

"Sadly, I can't go to the All-Star Game this year -- My wife and I are expecting our second baby, and I can't wait for this moment," Panarin said. "Thank you for your love and support. Please vote for my teammates." 

Panarin, already a three-time All-Star, ranks fourth in the league in points (51), trailing only the Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (53), Colorado Avalanches' Nathan MacKinnon (61) and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov (63).

On Thursday, the NHL announced 32 All-Stars, featuring a representative from each team, with the 12 more (eight skaters, four goalies) to be decided by fan voting. Netminder Igor Shesterkin received the nod for the Rangers, but Panarin was all but assured a spot in the final group. 

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Sidney Crosby and Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard headline the list of All-Stars so far. 

Matthews is having an outstanding season worthy of the honor, leading the league with 30 goals after tallying 40 all of last season. 

Meanwhile, Crosby is an All-Star for the ninth time, only four away from tying Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux for the most in Penguins history. 

Finally, Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, became the youngest player selected for the league's annual showcase at 18 years and 171 days old.