PHOTO BY SCOTT VANKOUGHNETT
In Canada we always talk about the players that won’t be on team Canada’s roster during the WJC. This year it’s not just Canada that is missing some big names.
However, we will start with the host nation. Canada will be missing the most eligible players highlighted by some major names.
Here’s a look at all the names that won’t be playing in Saskatchewan.
Steven Stamkos didn’t play last year even as a struggling rookie. Seeing the season he’s having in Tampa this year it’s not surprise that he won’t be playing again. The NHL sophomore is tied for his team lead in scoring with points in 29 games. He leads the team in goals with 17 that’s 11 more than Vinny Lecavalier.
John Tavares’ rookie campaign has been better than expected. But, as soon as he was drafted first-overall by the Islanders, there was never a chance he’d play in a third straight WJC. Tavares, like Stamkos leads his team in scoring. He has 24 points in 30 games leading all NHL rookies.
Evander Kane was a late addition to team Canada last year and played alongside Patrice Cormier and Stefan Della Rovere on an energy line. This season the fourth overall pick is adding a spark to the Atlanta Thrashers offense. His eight goals, three of which were game winners, are enough to keep him playing significant minutes in the NHL.
Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly didn’t play for Canada last year. The two Avalanche rookies have made a huge impression with their play so far this season. O’Reilly’s two-way play has been most impressive. The former Erie Otter is playing in every situation and is top-five in league plus/minus. He’s also added 17 points across 32 games. Duchene has really stepped up lately. The third overall pick this spring has seven points over his last five games and is third in rookie scoring with 19 points.
Team Canada has shunned Michael Del Zotto for some time now. He played for Canada at the under-18’s but hasn’t really gotten much of a sniff since. A perceived attitude problem being the cause. I’m sure Hockey Canada wishes they could have the 15th leading scorer among all NHL defensemen anchoring their blue line this Christmas. The Rangers’ rookie has been averaging just over 20-minutes a game in New York and is a leading candidate for the Calder trophy.
Tyler Myers was half of the two towers last Christmas for Canada. He shut down the stars of every other country. Now the 6’8” 222lbs defenseman is towering over opposition in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres. The 19-year-old has taken his game to the next level playing well over 20-minutes a game this season even adding some offensive flair.
The Vancouver Giants expected to lose Evander Kane this year, what they weren’t expecting was the loss of center James Wright. Wright has been playing a limited role with the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. He’s amassed just five points in 29 games. Lightning GM Brian Lawton still has no plans to let his 19-year-old center leave the NHL for nearly a month.
The one player that Hockey Canada expected to have was the leading scorer of last year’s tournament. Cody Hodgson had to back out due to a lingering back injury. He has yet to play a single game this season. He is, however, participating in practice with his Brampton Battalion. Good news for both the Battalion and the Vancouver Canucks.
Over the next few days we’ll look at the players from the other countries that are eligible to play but will not be in Saskatchewan come boxing day.
Topics: Atlanta Thrashers, Brampton Battlion, Buffalo Sabres, Christmas, Cody Hodgson, Colorado Avalanche, Evander Kane, Hockey Canada, James Wright, John Tavares, Matt Duchene, Michael Del Zotto, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ryan O'Reilly, Saskatchewan, Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning, Team Canada, Tyler Myers, Vancouver Giants, World Juniors
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bruce Hollingdrake, Chris Pope and Jesse Michael, Jesse Michael. Jesse Michael said: A new series on OpenIceHockey. Which key players are missing from the upcoming World Juniors, team by team. http://tinyurl.com/yldxenq [...]