2023 All-Star Fan Vote candidates for Atlantic 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 being 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 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 Atlantic Division.
RELATED: [2023 NHL All-Star Game coverage | All-Star fan vote | Metropolitan | Central | Pacific]

Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres

With forward Tage Thompson busting out into stardom, taking his Sabres sidekick with him to the celebration of the best in the game seems obvious on a number of fronts. First off, Dahlin has established himself as one of the sport's elite defensemen. Secondly, from a pragmatic standpoint, there are no defensemen among the already-named eight Atlantic Division All-Stars, so the position needs to be filled. Thirdly, Dahlin and Thompson have proven to be a dynamic duo on the Sabres power play when they have extra room on the ice, so imagine how electrifying they'll be with all the additional real estate that goes with 3-on-3 hockey. Finally, why wouldn't we want to see a 22-year-old future winner of the Norris Trophy, awarded to the defenseman voted best in the League -- maybe as early as this season -- at the All-Star Game? I rest my case. -- Mike Zeisberger, staff writer

Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning

My first choice was a 6-by-4-foot sheet of plywood to play goal, since it seems that every second shot in the All-Star Game winds up in the net. But because that selection wouldn't get past my editor, I'll add Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman to the Atlantic roster, with the hope (goofy as it is) that the pillar of a defenseman (6-foot-7, 244 pounds) will make certain that opposing forwards keep their heads up. I know the 2018 Norris Trophy winner won't be an intimidating presence in Sunrise -- bodychecking is a rumor in All-Star Games -- but we need him back at All-Star Weekend to defend his Hardest Shot win (103.2 mph) from 2022 and then terrorize a goalie in the game by winding up for a slap shot, even if he fakes it. -- Dave Stubbs, columnist

Hampus Lindholm, Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are getting one first-timer into the game in goalie Linus Ullmark. Why not two? The Atlantic has a serious dearth of defensemen. Don't get me wrong, it would be easy to pick yet another Bruins player (David Pastrnak, anyone?), but I think Lindholm is worthy. He's playing big-time minutes, his assertive brand of hockey has been game-changing for the Bruins, and I always think new blood in All-Star Games is fun. Count another one here for me. -- Amalie Benjamin, staff writer

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

This seems to be an easy pick for me. The All-Star Game is about goal-scoring, and Matthews led the NHL in goals the past two seasons. Last season, the 25-year-old center became the League's first 60-goal scorer since Steven Stamkos scored 60 for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011-12. Put Matthews in the 3-on-3 competition alongside his Toronto running mate Mitchell Marner, who was already selected for the All-Star Game, and watch the offensive sparks fly. Matthews also has the kind of fun personality that would make him a natural to shine in the 2023 NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings. -- Tom Gulitti, staff writer

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Yes, I know I'm potentially adding to the Lightning personnel at the All-Star Game, but I absolutely think Stamkos is deserving. In addition to his ability to score goals, there's the chance that he'd bring his adorable son, Carter, who stole the show at All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas last season by begging his dad, "I want to see Zamboni!" Hey, maybe Carter comes to this year's All-Star event with his own mini-Zamboni that Stamkos got him last October? Obviously, the All-Star Game is a lot about what's happening on the ice, and Stamkos is deserving a vote for his play. But it's also a chance for some fun on or off the ice. The Stamkos family unintentionally provided that last season, and it brought us all a lot of smiles. -- Tracey Myers, staff writer