Josi, a defenseman for the Nashville Predators, will replace Nathan MacKinnon on the Central Division roster. The Colorado Avalanche center had nose surgery and will not play in their two games before the All-Star break because of a concussion and facial fracture. The Avalanche won 4-1 against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday will play the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday.
Josi has scored 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists) in 43 games, and his 359 assists are the most in Predators history. He passed David Legwand in a 5-2 win against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 20.
"It's really cool," Josi said after the game. "I've been very fortunate to play here for so long (11 seasons), in this great city in front of our great fans, amazing organization. I've had some amazing teammates. Really fortunate to be playing with so many great players in the past and now. It's definitely very special."
Kuznetsov, a center for the Washington Capitals, replaces New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (upper body) for the Metropolitan Division and will play his second All-Star Game. His 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists) are second on the Capitals behind Ovechkin (58 points; 29 goals, 29 assists).
"Every time you get selected there it's pretty fantastic," Kuznetsov said. "I believe it's going to be a good couple of days, so I get to know some people and be around some good players. So it's always nice to spend a couple of days like that.
"I feel like sometimes players say they don't want to go there, but in the back of their heart they kind of believe they're ready. If they're having a good season, they want to get the credit for that, right? And I'm happy that I'm going there."
Fox was placed on injured reserve Friday prior to a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild and will not play against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
"If [an injury] was going to happen, it's perfect timing," Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said. "We fully expect him to be back after the break."
Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski, named to the All-Star roster Jan. 13, will replace MacKinnon as Central Division captain.
The 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Game will be played at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday (3 p.m. ET; ABC, SN, TVAS).
