All-Star weekend will include Grabner

Michael Grabner of the New York Islanders and Nick Leddy... — Michael Grabner of the New York Islanders and Nick Leddy of the Chicago Blackhawks chase down the puck at the United Center, Sunday. (Jan. 9, 2011) Credit: Getty Images

By KATIE STRANGcaitlin.strang@newsday.comJanuary 11, 2011

Speedy winger Michael Grabner, who was claimed by the Islanders off waivers from Florida in October, was named as one of the 12 rookies who will participate in this month's All-Star Game festivities in Raleigh, N.C.

"It's exciting,'' Grabner said after receiving the news yesterday morning. "I've never been to anything like that, so it should be fun.''

The 23-year-old Austrian forward, who was traded from Vancouver in June and waived by the Panthers after training camp, has nine goals and three assists in 36 games for the Islanders.

"We are extremely happy for Michael," general manager Garth Snow said by phone. "This is a good opportunity for him to show his skills during the All-Star weekend. He has been a wonderful addition to our team.''

The Islanders are one of four teams that are sending rookies to the skills challenge but do not have a representative in the regular All-Star Game. The other teams are Phoenix, Florida and Buffalo.

Snow said he was given a heads-up from the league about the All-Star roster and, although he pushed for centers John Tavares and Frans Nielsen, is comfortable with the league's decision.

"I understand that it is a very tough process for the NHL to select the players for the All-Star Game," he said. "In a perfect world, our team would be healthy and at the top of the standings. This would enhance our chances to have a better representation at this event in the future."

No hard feelings

Rookie defenseman Travis Hamonic said he wasn't lobbying for any disciplinary action for linesman Michel Cormier, who pushed him in the chest at the end of Sunday's game against the Blackhawks.

"It's a game," Hamonic said. "That stuff happens."

Martinek back

Veteran defenseman Radek Martinek returned to the lineup after missing nine games with an injured left wrist . . . Nielsen, who suffered a groin strain Jan. 3 against Calgary, was placed on injured reserve . . . Bridgeport winger Rhett Rakhshani was called up. The 22-year-old right wing made his NHL debut with the Islanders last month . . . Vancouver's Jeff Tambellini faced his former team for the first time since signing with the Canucks this offseason.