Ovechkin, Toews suspended for (going to be) missing All-Star Game; Ovechkin replaced by Kuznetsov

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Alex Ovechkin

It was announced Thursday morning that Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin would not play in the 2016 NHL All-Star Game due to a lower-body injury.

Evgeni Kuznetsov will replace Ovechkin's in the game, while John Tavares will take captaincy of the Metropolitan Division team in the game.

Also, along with Jonathan Toews, Ovechkin will be suspended for his respective team's first game after the All-Star Game for missing the game.

Jonathan Toews

But what happened to Toews?

“[Toews] was pulled from Tuesday night’s third period because of an illness and remains symptomatic today,” Blackhawks team physician Michael Terry said in a release. “At this time, rest over the break is most important for him to properly recover and be fully healthy heading into the rest of the regular season.”

James Neal of the Nashville Predators will replace Toews in the game.