I apologize for being misinformed.  Contrary to popular belief, the New Jersey Devils will not have any representatives in this year's All Star Game.  Head coach Brent Sutter and Martin Brodeur were selected respectively for their achievements thus far; however both men will not participate in the event.  Brodeur informed GM Lou Lamoriello last week, who finally announced his decision to the media today.  Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti said that Brodeur is returning home to focus on family matters and Sutter’s last-minute verdict was a combination of a clause in his contract because he is currently living in New Jersey while his family remains in Red Deer, Alberta.

"Sutter earned the right to be an all-star assistant because the Devils had the second best record in the conference after the completion of games on Jan. 5," Gulitti noted on his blog.

“Sutter said he had an agreement with Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek and general manager Lou Lamoriello when he was hired that he would be able to go home for the all-star break because his family did not come to New Jersey to live with him.

"It was something that was part of the process with Lou and Mr. Vanderbeek," Sutter said. "The league certainly understood."

Sutter earned the right to be an all-star assistant because the Devils had the second best record in the conference after the completion of games on Jan. 5.

With goaltender Martin Brodeur also pulling out, the Devils will have no representative in the all-star game. Lamoriello said earlier tonight that the Devils would have a player added, but it turned out only that David Clarkson was added to the rookie competition.”

That last line clarified my earlier post, which indicated that Zach Parise would be added to the Eastern Conference roster due to several players dropping out because of injury.  Mea culpa.  I am not sure why Sweet Lou could not mention this to the media earlier in the week or whenever it became available to him.  I understand he is very secretive about rumors, trades, etc.  Nevertheless, it is frustrating having to publish something several times before getting the story straight.

Recap:

All Star Game: Brodeur, Sutter OUT

All Star Weekend Rookie Competition: Clarkson IN

All Star Game Interest Without Brodeur, Crosby, Zetterberg, Luongo: Honestly, NONE!

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