Cam Atkinson will replace Evgeni Malkin in NHL All-Star Game

Cam Atkinson will reportedly be the injury replacement for Evgeni Malkin at the 2017 NHL All-Star Game. 

The 2017 NHL All-Star Game will be held the weekend of Jan. 28. Evgeni Malkin was a last minute scratch from the festivities thanks to a lower body injury. Replacing him on the Metropolitan Division roster will be arguably the biggest snub from the initial rosters. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson will be replacing Malkin, who ranks second in the NHL in points.

"Atkinson, 27, has registered 110-101-211 in 347 career NHL games, scoring 20 or more goals in each of the past four seasons. The Riverside, Connecticut native was selected by Columbus in the sixth round, 157th overall, at the 2008 NHL Draft. He played three seasons at Boston College from 2008-11."

This gives the Blue Jackets three players on the All-Star roster, the most of any team in the Metropolitan Division. Atkinson will be joining teammates Seth Jones and Sergei Bobrovsky at the event. However, with Kris Letang’s latest injury, he might not be playing either. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski could be on the short list to replace him if needed.

Atkinson has 46 points this season, which puts him in a three way tie for eighth place with Vladimir Tarasenko and Tyler Seguin. He’s tied for second in the league in goals with Jeff Carter (24). Only Sidney Crosby has more than Atkinson, as of Jan. 26.

Must Read: Best hockey player ever from each state

The Blue Jackets forward will join Alex Ovechkin, John Tavares, Crosby, Wayne Simmonds and Taylor Hall on the Metropolitan Division team. Atkinson should be a great fit for the event, as the format will be a three-on-three tournament. He;s tied for third in the NHL in overtime goals with two, making him a perfect fit for the tournament. This will be his first All-Star game appearance.