Injured New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes is being replaced by teammate Jesper Bratt in the upcoming All-Star Game while New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal will take Hughes' spot in the All-Star Skills Competition, the NHL announced Tuesday.
Hughes was labeled week-to-week with an unspecified injury Jan. 9 and hasn't played since. He'll still attend the event in Toronto and co-captain his team in the All-Star player draft alongside his brother, Quinn.
Bratt has never been an NHL All-Star before. His 50 points in 47 games lead the Devils, though Jack Hughes only trails by five despite being been limited to 32 appearances this season.
Barzal was previously chosen as the Isles' lone representative for the weekend. He's second on New York this season with 51 points and has already been to two All-Star Games in his eight-year career.
The skills competition will use a new format this year, with 12 players participating in a series of events with cumulative scoring for a $1-million prize.
