Rangers’ Chris Kreider to replace Artemi Panarin in All-Star Game

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (20) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with winger Artemi Panarin (10). (Chris O'Meara/AP)

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider will replace teammate Artemi Panarin on the Metropolitan Division team in this weekend’s NHL All-Star Game.

Panarin withdrew due to an upper-body injury, which also forced him to miss Tuesday’s loss to the New York Islanders.

Kreider, 28, has 17 goals and 32 points in 48 games this season. He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Rangers, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, he’s expected to be a popular target for teams at the trade deadline.

This will be Kreider’s first All-Star Game appearance.

Panarin has exploded out of the gate in his first season with the Rangers. The 28-year-old leads the team in all offensive categories, with 26 goals and 68 points in 47 games.

The NHL All-Star festivities begin Friday with the skills competition before the four division teams clash in a three-on-three tournament Saturday.

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