Zack Kassian turned 21 today and the American Hockey League gave him a present by adding him to the All-Star Game roster in Atlantic City this coming weekend.  In 25 games with the Amerks he has 10 goals and 11 assists for a total of 21 points.  Kassian is currently tied for third on the team in goals and fifth in assists.  The rookie will replace Brayden McNabb who has been on the Sabres injured list out with a concussion.

Interesting replacement.  Kassian has had a number of great moments as a rookie but hasn’t necessarily been the best player on the Amerks roster.  It all comes down to the people making the decisions and if they’re asking for the “All-Star” of a team or the best future prospect.  Either way, congrats to Kassian.  It’s a great way to get your name out there in the hockey world to show yourself off.

Joe Finley has also been sent back to the Amerks from the Sabres.  He’ll join the team in Grand Rapids for their road game on Wednesday night.  Shaone Morrisonn will also be back in the lineup after serving his three game suspension.  With those two changes the Amerks also released defenseman Brock Matheson from his 25 game PTO.

Here’s the other updates for the All-Star roster:

Bridgeport Sound Tigers forward Casey Cizikas and Albany Devils defenseman Alexander Urbom have been named to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster, while Lake Erie Monsters defenseman Tyson Barrie, Peoria Rivermen goaltender Ben Bishop, Rockford IceHogs defenseman Brian Connelly, Toronto Marlies forward Ryan Hamilton, Rochester Americans forward Zack Kassian, Oklahoma City Barons forward Ryan Keller and Charlotte Checkers forward Chris Terry have been added to the Western Conference All-Star squad.

In addition, the AHL announced that Bridgeport’s Calvin de Haan, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Simon Despres, Albany’s Matt Taormina, Toronto’s Joe Colborne and Nazem Kadri, Lake Erie’s Cedrick Desjardins, Milwaukee’s Ryan Ellis, San Antonio’s Jon Matsumoto, Rochester’s Brayden McNabb and Charlotte’s Jerome Samson will all miss the event.

That’s it for now!