Auston Matthews, Sidney Crosby lead 2024 NHL Eastern Conference All-Stars

Half of the All-Star Game roster playing in Toronto has been released.

On Thursday night, the NHL revealed the initial 16 players that will be representing the Eastern Conference at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto.

Leading the charge from the East is Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby, who has been named an All-Star for the sixth time in his illustrious career.

Nikita Kucherov, whose 63 points is atop the league coming into Thursday, is heading to the All-Star Game for a fifth time.

Auston Matthews, the league’s leading goal scorer, has been named to the ASG roster for the fifth time as well.

Boston Bruins’ sniper David Pastrnak is an All-Star for a fourth time.

A number of young guns are on the initial list, including Alex DeBrincat (Detroit), Jack Hughes (New Jersey) and Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa).

The only goaltender named from the East, so far, is Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers.

A fan vote will begin after the Western Conference All-Stars are announced, determining the final eight skaters and four goaltenders that will participate in the festivities. That vote will go through Jan. 11.

Another fan vote will be held from Jan. 13-18 to select four participants for the skills competition.

The All-Star Player Draft will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. ET, with the always popular Skills Competition taking place on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. ET. The All-Star Game itself will occurr at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 3.

EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS

Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes)

Mattew Barzal (New York Islanders)

Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres)

Alex DeBrincat (Detroit Red Wings)

Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

Boone Jenner (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Travis Konecny (Philadelphia Flyers)

Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins)

Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers)

Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)

Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens)

Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators)

Tom Wilson (Washington Capitals)