2023 All-Star Fan Vote candidates for Pacific Division debated

The
2023 Honda All-Star Fan Vote presented by Guaranteed Rate
is open and runs through Jan. 17.

The fan vote will result in two skaters and a goalie added to each division's roster for the 2023 NHL Honda All-Star Game at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, on Feb. 4 (3 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, CBC, SN, TVAS).
The names of the three players who win the fan vote in each division will be unveiled Jan. 19.
The first eight players per division were selected by the NHL hockey operations department and announced Jan. 5.
While fans ponder their selections, NHL.com writers are picking the one player they would add. Today, our writers debate their choices for the Pacific Division.
RELATED: [2023 NHL All-Star Game coverage| All-Star fan vote |**Atlantic**| Metropolitan | Central]

Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

The All-Star Game is a celebration of not only what is good in the game today, but what has made the game great in the past. Nobody embodies that dichotomy better than Doughty, the 33-year-old defenseman in the middle of a comeback season for the ages. Doughty has been great in the past, wining the Norris Trophy as the League's top defenseman in 2015-16 and serving as a linchpin for Stanley Cup wins by the Kings in 2012 and 2014. He remains good, likely the second-best defenseman in the division behind Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks, who was one of the first 32 players selected. Offense, defense, whatever you want, Doughty can do it and do it well. Oh yeah, he also has a fantastic personality that will shine under the bright lights of the All-Star format, which is never a bad thing. -- Shawn P. Roarke, senior director of editorial

Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

The high-scoring forward isn't just a running mate to teammate Connor McDavid, he has solidified his own status as a star. In each of the previous four seasons, Draisaitl ranked in the top-4 in points, including first in 2019-20 when he won the Hart Trophy as the League's most valuable player. We've all seen what he can do at 5-on-5, but wouldn't it be nice to see him and McDavid rushing down the ice 3-on-3 at the All-Star Game like the duo sometimes does in overtime for Edmonton? Well, it would be nice for everyone except the opposing goaltender. There are plenty of good choices here, but Draisaitl is having another MVP-type season and should be recognized by the fans with his fourth All-Star appearance. -- David Satriano, staff writer

Martin Jones, Seattle Kraken

The 33-year-old goalie has rediscovered his form and is worthy of his second trip to the All-Star game, and first since 2017 when he was a member of the San Jose Sharks. Jones is a big reason the Kraken are in the hunt for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot, after finishing last in the division in their inaugural season, by providing key saves when necessary; something they were lacking last season. He won 30 or more games each season from 2015-19 for the Sharks but was bought out following the 2020-21 season after winning 15 and went 12-18-3 with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2021-22. An All-Star spot would be a nice comeback reward. -- William Douglas, staff writer

Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

There's something beautiful about a player getting another moment in the sun during the late stage of a career. And there is also beauty when reflecting on the Kopitar's NHL career, which includes leading the Kings in points in 14 of his first 16 NHL seasons, two Stanley Cup championships (2012, 2014), a Lady Byng Trophy (2016), two Selke Trophies (2016, 2018), and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone in 2022. Kopitar has some game left, too. The team's indispensable captain at 35, he is still producing as a top-six center. Although he also has one season left on an eight-year contract, there is no guarantee retirement will follow. He's healthy and a top-tier player and should get a forum for what might end up as his last hurrah. -- Jon Lane, staff writer

Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks

Look, we all know if this was based on statistics alone, Draisaitl is a no-brainer here. Other than McDavid, Draisaitl is the most dangerous scorer in the division, if not the whole League. But the All-Star Game is not just about numbers, it's about putting on a show for the fans, and no player has the ability do that like Zegras. The forward scored two lacrosse-style goals last season and had the famous alley-oop pass to then teammate Sonny Milano. And who could forget his ode to the film "Dodgeball" during the NHL Breakaway Challenge at last season's All-Star Skills? He's 21, he's an electric player, and I would love to see what he can do in the 3-on-3 format. -- Bill Price, VP, Editor-in-Chief