Hall, a left wing who was selected to play on the Metropolitan Division team, hasn't played since Dec. 23 because of a lower-body injury. He was placed on injured reserve Jan. 1 and will miss his 13th consecutive game when the Devils host the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday (1 p.m. ET; SN, MSG+, PRIME, NHL.TV). The Devils do not play again until Jan. 28, when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 27-year-old is second on the Devils with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 33 games. Hall was selected for the All-Star Game last season but was unable to play because of a hand injury and was replaced by another teammate, forward Brian Boyle.
Palmieri, a right wing who usually plays on the top line with Hall and center Nico Hischier, leads New Jersey with 22 goals and 38 points. The 27-year-old was a finalist for the Last Men In presented by adidas fan vote, but Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was the final player named to the Metropolitan Division team.
"It's a pretty cool honor," Palmieri said Saturday. "Obviously it would be my first one so I'm looking forward to that. I'd easily trade it to have [Taylor Hall] back in the lineup and healthy. But it's a cool opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to it. It's tough to see it be because of an injury, but I'm looking forward to the experience.
"It's special for me to play for the team I grew up around, and I think to be able to represent them at an event like this is a pretty huge honor for me and my family."
Hall said Palmieri was deserving of the honor.
"Although I am unfortunately unable to participate, I'm excited for Palms to have the opportunity to represent us in his first NHL All-Star Game," Hall said. "I know that it's going to be a great experience for him and his family and the hometown kid will make Jersey proud."
