Cooper, Laviolette, Trotz and Gallant to coach 2018 All-Star Game

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant stands behind players Paul Thompson, from left, William Carrier and Stefan Matteau. (Darryl Dyck/CP)

Jon Cooper, Peter Laviolette, Barry Trotz and Gerard Gallant have been announced as the head coaches for the NHL’s 2018 All-Star Game, the league announced on Sunday.

Cooper, of the league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning, will lead the Atlantic Division squad, which will be captained by his own team’s leader Steven Stamkos. Nashville Predators coach Laviolette will coach the Central Division team, captained by Predators defender P.K. Subban.

Washington Capitals duo Barry Trotz and Alex Ovechkin will fill similar roles for the Metropolitan Division team, while the Pacific Division squad will pair Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gallant with Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid.

The 2018 All-Star Game, hosted by the Lightning, will again feature a three-game tournament of three-on-three action. While the captains were voted in by fans, the rest of the all-stars will be announced by the league on Jan. 10.

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