Marchand 'not bothered at all' by All-Star snub

Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand isn't fazed after being snubbed from the 2022 All-Star Game.

"I'm not bothered at all," the 33-year-old said to the media Friday.

"It's a nice event to go to some years. Depends on where it is, but Vegas is obviously a good spot."

The two-time All-Star erupted for 41 points in 29 games to start the season and looked poised to get in on the fun once more. However, he will ultimately be left off the Atlantic Division roster after teammate Charlie McAvoy was chosen for the "Last Men In" ballot.

For now, captain Patrice Bergeron is Boston's sole representative in Las Vegas, and Marchand wouldn't have it any other way.

"Bergy's been our best player for 18 years now. He's the best two-way player in the league. He's the backbone to our team," Marchand said. "I'm not surprised at all that he's there. He deserves to be and he's earned that right. I'm very happy for him."

Marchand still called out the NHL's process for selecting the All-Star lineups. Every team must have at least one player compete at the event, including players from struggling squads like the Arizona Coyotes and Montreal Canadiens.

"That's how it goes when the league format is the way it is. There's guys that probably deserve or could be there," he said.

Marchand identified Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri as an egregious snub. With 48 points in 30 contests, Kadri is fourth in league scoring behind only Alex Ovechkin, Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl.

Though Kadri was left off of the Central Division's initial roster, he still has a chance to make the team thanks to the "Last Men In" voting.

The All-Star Weekend will take place from Feb. 4-5 in Las Vegas.