Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom honored by All-Star selection

The Thrashers returned to practice Wednesday after two days off -- one scheduled, one because of the inclement weather. It was the first time on the ice after the two were informed of their selections Tuesday.

“It’s something that guys work hard for all the time,” Byfuglien said. “To be on it, is an honor. It’s definitely a pleasure and something you can add to your books. … It’s not going to be sunny and warm, but I’ll have to have some guys send me some pictures from the beach.”

“I love the game,” Enstrom said. “I enjoy playing. I’ll get the summer off.”

The pair are two of the top scoring defensemen in the NHL. Byfuglien leads all NHL blue-liners with 16 goals and is tied for first with 41 points. Enstrom is tied for first with 30 assists and is third with 38 points.

"I'm really proud of both of them," Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay said. "They've worked so hard to get there. I think it's great recognition for our team. The style of play we've used, with a commitment to be fun and exciting, I think they have been rewarded for it.

“Everyone talks about how well Buff has played, and he has. He deserves the accolades. We couldn’t do it as a team without the two of them. Toby has been just wonderful. He’s been so good at both ends of the rink. That has to be a key for what he’s accomplished. He’s been really good defensively, played against top players, helped to run the power play. The two of them are a great pair.”

Enstrom credited his teammates with his success. He quickly pointed to the key games coming up on the Thrashers’ schedule before the All-Star game is played Jan. 30. The Thrashers next play at home Friday against Philadelphia. Before the break, they will also play four games against Southeast Division opponents, two against Tampa Bay and one against Florida and Washington.

“I have to give credit to the whole team,” Enstrom said. “The whole team is playing better. In the end, it’s the whole team pushing, in this case, me and Buff to the All-Star game.”

Kane feeling better

Evander Kane participated in the team's practice Wednesday. The forward said he feels better after being placed on injured reserve last week with a mid-body injury.

“The injury I had, it’s good to get it some rest and see how it reacts on the ice later in the week,” Kane said. “I felt a lot better than I did.”

Kane has missed a total of three games, including the past two, after being injured when he was checked into the board during a game in Pittsburgh last month.

Forwards Jim Slater (concussion) and Freddy Modin (mid-body) did not practice as they recover. Brent Sopel was also not at practice. He was delayed returning from Chicago, where he spent the team's off day with his family.

Prospects named AHL all-stars

Spencer Machacek, currently on the Thrashers' roster, and Paul Postma were selected to play in the AHL All-Star Game.

The prospects, playing for the Thrashers’ minor-league affiliate in Chicago, will represent the Western Conference. The event will be held in Hershey, Pa., on Jan. 30-31.