For many NHL players, the time has come to take a break from hockey. Those who play for teams that failed to make the playoffs can enjoy some time with the family, get out on the golf course, or simply rest up after an exhausting season. However, for those who are still itching for some on-ice action, the World Hockey Championship from Slovakia is set to begin on April 29th, and many countries have started selecting players to fill their rosters.
Team Canada Selects a Handful of Maple Leafs
No sooner had the NHL season come to a conclusion, three players from the Toronto Maple Leafs organization had already accepted invitations to play for Canada, while one more is on standby. According to an article appearing on the TSN website on April 11th, defensemen Dion Phaneuf and Luke Schenn are set to suit up for Canada, while goaltender James Reimer will play as well. Forward Clarke MacArthur may join the team, but it's still uncertain. Phaneuf is a two-time NHL All-Star and will give the team some veteran leadership, while Schenn is a young player but has international experience, having played at the 2009 World Championship. James Reimer came out of nowhere this season, and went 20-10-5 for the Leafs while posting a 2.60 goals against average. He is a big reason why Toronto remained in the playoff hunt for so long and will hope to earn the starting job in net next season. Playing at the World Championship will no doubt help him as he continues to develop. Clarke MacArthur had a break out season with the Leafs, scoring 21 goals and 62 points. He will definitely be an offensive asset to Team Canada if he ends up playing.
Nash and Spezza are Among the Forwards Already Selected
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash, was among the first players to accept an invitation to play for Canada at this year’s World Championship. He will be expected to lead the team offensively. Nash had 32 goals this season, and already has plenty of international experience, both at the World Championship and the Olympics. Jason Spezza battled through injuries with Ottawa this year, but still managed to put up 57 points in 62 games. He is also looking forward to representing his country. Matt Duchene and John Tavares have also been invited to join Team Canada. Both are young and talented players that had 67 points this past season in the NHL. The will provide their country with speed and finesse up front and will likely be a big part of Canada’s power play unit. Chris Stewart, Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane and Cal Clutterbuck have all accepted invitations as well, giving Canada plenty of depth on offense.
Questions on Defense
With the forwards pretty much in place, Canada still needs to work on filling out defensive positions on their roster. With Alex Pietrangelo set to go along with Phaneuf and Schenn, the team is half way there, but who else will accept an invitation? Chris Phillips is a solid veteran with World Championship experience, but he is coming off a rough year in Ottawa in which he had a plus/minus rating of -35. Andrew MacDonald had a solid season with the Islanders but missed the last 7 games of the season with a hip injury, so it’s unlikely that he would make the trip to Slovakia. His teammate, Travis Hamonic should be given some serious consideration. Hamonic had 26 points in 62 games and was a +4 on the season. Stephane Robidas and Trevor Daley of the Dallas Stars would be nice additions to the blue line as well. It remains to be seen if either would be willing to accept an invitation. Mark Giordano had 43 points with Calgary this past season, and would be a help on the power play if he accepts an invitation. Brent Burns of Minnesota should be a no-brainer as well. The Ajax, Ontario native put up 46 points with the Wild this year and has already represented Canada on 2 occasions at the World Championship.
Goaltending Could Be an Issue
James Reimer had a great year with Toronto and his selection makes sense, but Canada may have trouble finding an experienced goaltender to add to their roster. Cam Ward would be their best bet, but after playing 74 games with Carolina this year, he may need some time off. Chris Mason has experience, but struggled with a 3.39 goals against average this year. Jose Theodore is a solid veteran and would make a nice backup, but it’s doubtful that he would be able to lead the team to victory. Steve Mason might be the team’s next option. He has struggled since his rookie season, but still remains hopeful of making Canada’s next Olympic team. A strong World Championship would be a step in the right direction. Finally there is Devan Dubnyk. The Oilers goalie was a member of Team Canada at last year’s tournament, but didn’t get a chance to play. After a decent year in Edmonton, he may be asked to come back. If so, it will likely be in a backup role once again.
What About the Rookies?
Jordan Eberle and Jeff Skinner both had excellent rookie seasons in the NHL, but it is yet unknown if they will participate in the World Hockey Championship. Eberle led the Oilers in scoring with 43 points and has plenty of international experience playing for Canada at the World Junior level. Jeff Skinner had 31 goals with the Hurricanes and is considered a favorite to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. Playing at the World Championship would be a great way to help him develop as a professional.
Plenty of Options
No matter who Canada chooses to fill the final spots on their roster, the one thing that is certain is that they have plenty of quality players to choose from. This says a great deal about the depth of talented players that this country has to offer. Once again, when Canada begins tournament play against Belarus on April 29th, they will be among the favorites to take home the gold medal.
Sources
TSN.ca staff. Phaneuf, Schenn, and Reimer Headed to World Championship. TSN.ca. April 11, 2011.
International Ice Hockey Federation official website.
Jason Caravaggio - I am a university graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education degree. Currently I am working two ...
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