Wayne Gretzky was named as the replacement coach for the Metropolitan Division at the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET; NBC, CBC, SN, TVA Sports, NHL.TV).
Gretzky will take over for Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella, who will miss the game because of personal reasons.
"The League came to me last night and said, 'Would you like to coach?' and I said. 'Sure,'" Gretzky told NBCSN. "Playing in the All-Star Game is a privilege and a pleasure, and the chance to be around it and part of it tomorrow ... I'm excited and I'm really looking forward to it."
Wayne Gretzky to coach Metropolitan All-Stars
Will replace John Tortorella on team with Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin

© Bruce Bennett/Getty Images