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No matter what happens this weekend in Tampa, it will be a highlight Wild forward Eric Staal always remembers.
Selected to play in his fifth All-Star Game -- and first since 2011 -- Staal was the Most Valuable Player of the event's 2008 edition. But even if he scores five goals and wins a second All-Star Game MVP, whatever transpires on the ice will be secondary to having a chance to share the weekend with his wife, Tanya, her parents, and his three sons, Levi, Parker and Finley.

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"For sure. Any time you can experience anything with family or close friends or people you really care about, it's always better," Staal said. "Whether you're winning a championship or experiencing anything, when you experience it with people you really love and care about, it's always better. It's gonna be that for sure this weekend."
The last time Staal played in the game, his oldest son Levi was less than a year old. His two youngest boys hadn't been born yet.
Now playing hockey themselves, his sons -- especially Levi and Parker -- already have a wishlist of NHL stars they hope to meet at the events leading up to the game, including the skills competition on Saturday.

"There's a few. Crosby, Kucherov, McDavid, Ovechkin are the four names I had tossed to me," Staal said. "A couple, Sid I know, Ovi, I've met a few times. So a couple guys I'm sure I can grab a picture of them or an autograph; it'll be cool to be in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy that with them. Looking forward to it."
Staal's selection into the All-Star Game has been a long time coming. Minnesota's leading scorer last season, Staal could have been picked for the 2017 edition of the game.
Staal's 2017-18 season has been too good to ignore, however. But the League's 3-on-3 format, combined with the requirement that every team have a representative makes it difficult for any forward in any of the NHL's four divisions to get picked.
Staal leads the Wild with 20 goals and 43 points. In a season marred with injuries to critical players, Staal has played in all 49 games and has been Minnesota's most consistent player from the outset.

"You always want to be a contributor offensively," Staal said. "You always want to be a player that's counted on in all situations as the year progressed."
As it became more likely that Staal would be the Wild's representative in Tampa, the pressure from the boys at home ratcheted up a few notches.
Visions of meeting Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid all of a sudden were becoming a reality.
"They were pumped," Staal said. "I think they understand it just enough to think it's pretty sweet and that's what's fun for me, is the fact that they've kind of grasped a little bit of what All-Star weekend is about and the fact that their dad is going is pretty cool for me. I'm just hoping they have a good time too."
Staal said he hasn't decided which skills event he will petition Central Division captain P.K. Subban for just yet. He does know of a couple that may not be his cup of tea.
"I remember in Raleigh when I was part of it I kind of had control of who went into what event and had more say as far as all of that went," Staal said. "I don't know how it's going to play out this time. I'm not opposed to anything. Regardless, I'll give it a shot whatever it is. I mean, hardest shot probably wouldn't be my strong suit. I'm more of a 'put it in the right place' kind of guy. I guess we'll see."
ALL-STAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
No matter where he ends up, it's that competition and the ability to just sit back and be a kid himself -- in addition to the smiles on his own kids' faces -- that will make the experience this weekend.
"It is totally relaxed. It's fun to see some of the skills and different events they have sent up. And then we get to talk and shoot the breeze with a lot of the guys we compete against," Staal said. "Just enjoy a conversation with them in a relaxed kind of setting. It's fun for the fans. I remember as a kid watching it and loving it. I've still got a little kid in me at times, and it'll be fun to take in the event."
Related:
- Staal silences critics in earning All-Star selection - Staal worthy of berth in All-Star Game - Watch: Eric Staal 2017-18 highlights - Becoming Wild: Eric Staal