Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler turned down an invitation from the NHL to participate in the 2016 All-Star Game in Nashville due to prior plans with his family, the Jets confirmed Thursday.
The 29-year-old, seen as one of the biggest snubs from the All-Star Game roster, was asked by the league if he wanted to play after Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews withdrew due to illness, according to Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun.
Nashville Predators forward James Neal was later selected to fill Toews' spot on the Central Division team.
Wheeler has 13 goals and 35 assists this season, and is the only player of the top-10 scoring leaders who will not be taking part in All-Star festivities after Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov was added to the Metropolitan Division team Thursday to replace teammate Alex Ovechkin.
