Pacioretty, a forward, replaces Anaheim Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg, who will miss the game because of the imminent birth of his second child. The NHL said Friday that Silfverberg's absence has been excused, meaning he will not have to serve a one-game suspension for missing the All-Star Game; otherwise, he would be suspended for either his team's last game before the break or the first one after play resumes.
"It's an amazing honor to be selected for the All-Star Game, and I'm very grateful to have been named," Silfverberg said. "The timing is such that my wife and I are expecting our second child in late January, and I feel it's most important to be with my family at that time. Thank you to the NHL and the Ducks organization for their support and understanding."
Hertl replaces fellow Sharks center Logan Couture, who is expected to miss six weeks because of a fractured ankle sustained Tuesday.
Pacioretty leads the Golden Knights with 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 47 games. Hertl is second on the Sharks with 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 42 games.
It will be the first NHL All-Star Game for each player, who will also take part in the 2020 NHL All-Star Skills on Jan. 24 (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, CBC, TVAS).
