Whenever making a list, some things are sure to be left out. The NHL announced the NHL All-Star roster on Thursday and Sportsnet.ca decided to highlight some players who may have been deserving of an All-Star nod.

With 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points, Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell looks like he is on pace to return to 30-goal form. Not only is Hartnell scoring, but he’s doing his damage 5-on-5 as he holds a plus-18 rating this season.

Dallas Stars forward Loui Eriksson is one of the most unrecognized goal-scorers in the NHL. With 40 points this year (16 G, 24 A, plus-12) Eriksson is a staple on the Stars’ offence. Too bad nobody notices…

Sure he’s injured right now (knee), but it would have been nice for Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle to get recognition for his great work this season. He is the straw that stirs the Oilers offence (17 G, 26 A 43 P, 15 PPP), and thanks to him teammates Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ryan Smyth tore up the scoresheets early in the season.

Staying on the topic of injured players, James Neal of the Pittsburgh Penguins has proven that he really is the “Real Deal”. With 21 goals, 36 points and 16 power-play points Neal has stood in admirably while the Penguins try to survive the major injuries to Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Jordan Staal. With a broken foot of his own, Neal seems poised to rest up during All-Star weekend, but still a nod would have been nice.

Acquired in the off-season as part of the Florida Panthers major makeover, forward Kris Versteeg has fit right in. With impressive stats (17 G, 22 A, 39 PTS) Versteeg has helped the Panthers to the top of the Southeast division, ahead of the Capitals and the Lightning.

Cut from a similar cloth as Loui Eriksson, Phoenix Coyotes forward Radim Vrbata is a sneaky goal scorer who is often overlooked because he plays in the Pacific Division. Already a 20-goal scorer this season (21 G, 14 A, 35 PTS, plus-11), Vrbata has quietly become one of the Coyotes best offensive weapons.

Moving on to defenders, Michael Del Zotto of the New York Rangers certainly deserves to make the trip to Ottawa. If offensive stats (5 G, 18 A, 23 PTS) aren’t enough to earn Del Zotto an All-Star nod, his astounding plus-24 rating should be enough to get him on the roster.

Always a key piece to his team’s power play, New York Islanders defenceman Mark Streit is up to his old tricks as he leads the Islanders with 16 PPP. With two goals and 20 assists, Streit certainly has the offensive numbers to earn an All-Star vote. His minus-17 rating may be more indicative of his team’s play than his own, but is likely what’s keeping him out of the All-Star game.

Second in the NHL in terms of wins (22), Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has been in net for all but two of the Preds’ victories this season. Holding down the fort with a .919 save percentage with three shutouts, Rinne has been a force between the pipes. How is this guy not going to Ottawa?!?

Despite only having 16 wins this season, Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith has been one of the busiest ‘tenders in the league. Widely considered to be on the decline prior to the season, Smith has kept the Coyotes in a number of games with his .925 save percentage, as he has faced over 1000 shots in 33 starts. That means the Coyotes allow 30 shots per game when Smith is in net. The man deserves some love!