"Some members of the Avalanche believe young center Ryan O'Reilly got snubbed for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game. Others just think it's the nature of the beast, because the league doesn't need defensive-minded players preventing what typically is a smorgasbord of offense during the midseason classic.

But one thing is for certain: The youngest player in Quebec/Colorado franchise history to reach 200 career regular-season games is this team's MVP.

"He's by far our best player this year," defenseman Kyle Quincey? said. "I think we got a gem in the second round."

O'Reilly, who was selected 33rd overall in the 2009 draft, continues to blossom into the definition of a complete hockey player. He's the Avs' best defensive forward who leads the team in goals (12), assists (20), points (32), takeaways (59) and faceoffs won (428). He's tied for second in the league in takeaways and seventh in faceoffs.

Referred to as "Factor" or "Radar" from television shows ("The O'Reilly Factor" and "M*A*S*H"), O'Reilly is undoubtedly Colorado's hardest-working player, and one who likely will become the club's captain at some point after he's old enough to buy a beer. "