3 Red Wings Robbed of a Potential All-Star Appearance Thanks to 4 Nations Face-Off
The Detroit Red Wings are currently facing some disappointment regarding the exclusion of three of their standout players from the 2025 NHL All-Star Game, thanks to a scheduling conflict with the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. As the league announced the rosters for the midseason showcase, many fans were left wondering why these players didn’t make the cut, considering their impressive performances up until this point in the season.
The 4 Nations Face-Off, an international tournament featuring the top young prospects from North America and Europe, has long been a highlight for the hockey world. However, this year, its timing coincided with the NHL’s All-Star Game selections, leading to a controversy that has many questioning whether the tournament’s significance unintentionally cost three Red Wings players their deserved All-Star spots.
The three players in question—Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Dylan Larkin—have been key contributors to Detroit’s resurgence this season. Each has been instrumental in the Red Wings’ improved performance and their push for a playoff spot. Raymond, a dynamic winger, has continued to develop into one of the league’s most exciting young talents, with dazzling skill and speed that make him a constant threat on the ice. Seider, the gifted defenseman, has emerged as one of the best young blueliners in the league, contributing both offensively and defensively for Detroit. Larkin, the team captain, has shown his leadership while continuing to post impressive offensive numbers, solidifying himself as one of the top centers in the NHL.
All three were widely expected to be named to the All-Star rosters due to their standout performances, but the timing of the 4 Nations Face-Off—scheduled for the same weekend as the All-Star festivities—forced them to miss out on the opportunity to participate in the event. As a result, the Red Wings’ trio was unable to attend the All-Star celebrations, which many saw as a blow to both their individual accolades and the team’s reputation.
While the 4 Nations Face-Off is undoubtedly an important event, especially in terms of showcasing future NHL talent, its overlap with the NHL All-Star Game creates a problematic scheduling issue for players who are in line for All-Star selection but are committed to their national teams. This situation presents a dilemma for both the league and the players themselves, as it forces them to choose between representing their country and participating in one of the league’s premier events.
For the Red Wings, the situation is particularly frustrating, as it was a chance to showcase their rising stars on the national stage. All three players have been integral to Detroit’s success, and the absence of their All-Star appearances seems like an unfortunate misstep in terms of recognition for their hard work.
Detroit fans are not alone in their frustration, as many believe the 4 Nations Face-Off should have been scheduled at a different time to avoid clashing with the NHL’s most significant midseason event. For now, it remains to be seen whether the Red Wings will find a way to ensure their top players get the recognition they deserve in the future. Despite this setback, the talent of Raymond, Seider, and Larkin will continue to shine on the ice, and it’s clear that All-Star nominations are still in their futures, even if they missed out this time.
