LOS ANGELES — Further proof that Travis Konecny’s name should be mentioned in the same sentence with Flyers stars like Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek came Monday when Konecny was named to play in the NHL All-Star Game.
Konecny, the only Flyer named to the Metropolitan Division team, is off to the best start of his four-year career and leads the Flyers in total points with 34.
His 11 goals trail only team co-leaders James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Hayes by one.
It will be Konecny’s first appearance in an All-Star contest.
“It’s something you really don’t think about until it happens,’’ said the 22-year-old Konecny. “When you make the NHL, that (All-Star selection) is one of the first steps. You want to be successful.
“I didn’t expect it, especially with some of the names we have on our team. I didn’t expect them to pick me’’
The NHL All-Star Game will be played in St. Louis on Jan. 25.
The game, which is scheduled to start at 8 p.m., will consist of a three-on-three All-Star tournament featuring four teams, representing each division.
Each team will be composed of 11 players: six forwards, three defensemen, and two goaltenders.
Konecny, a right wing, looks forward to the opportunity.
“It’s pretty fresh, it’s something that really hasn’t settled in yet,’’ he said as the Flyers took a day off before Tuesday night’s game at Los Angeles. “
Konecny has steadily improved throughout his career. This season got off to a bit of a controversial start as he missed the first four days of training camp while a new contract was worked out. He eventually signed a six-year, $33-million contract.
Now he’s on pace for about 70 points, which would easily eclipse his current best season, which is 49.
“You never really think of the All-Star Game but now that it’s come up it’s pretty amazing,’’ Konecny said. “I’ve got a lot of people to thank for it.
“It’s definitely an accomplishment. I’m happy.’’
General manager Chuck Fletcher called Konecny with the good news.
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