Players more than likely unavailable for Team Canada Juniors
The Team Canada Development Camp was held in August and included 44 of the best Canadian born Junior Hockey players. The entire roster can be seen at Hockey Canada.
With the NHL becoming a younger and younger league each season, Team Canada is left with some difficult roster decisions with many talented players remaining with their respective NHL clubs. Of the 44 players invited to the Team Canada Development Camp, the following may be unavailable to participate for Canada at this years tournament.
Forget About It
John Tavares – This should come as no surprise. Tavares is playing on the top lines and will not be let go for Team Canada.
Tyler Myers – Myers is logging big time productive minutes in Buffalo and barring a miracle will not play for Team Canada. Missing a 6-8 defensemen is quite a big blow!
Matt Duchene – Duchene is currently playing for the biggest surprise team in the NHL – the Colorado Avalanche. Don’t expect the two-way forward to be available for Team Canada.
Ryan O’Reilly – Another surprising Colorado Avalanche player. Most didn’t expect O’Reilly to make the NHL club this year, but he has been a pleasant surprise.
Evander Kane – Another young player logging major minutes is Evander Kane. With the lack of forward depth in Atlanta, Kane should not be expected to wear the Team Canada jersey.
Michael Del Zotto – Another defensman having a great year in the NHL. Named Rookie of the Month for October…Canada won’t be able to use him.
James Wright – Wright isn’t talked about very much with Stamkos doing so well, but he is also providing the Lightning with some valuable minutes and will not be available for Canada.
Possible
Alex Pietrangelo – Pietrangelo has only played 7 games so far this season for the Blues, but has played pretty solid logging 18 minutes some nights. Expect a decision on his future shortly.
Cody Hodgsen – I expected Hodgsen to have been playing for Vancouver out of training camp. With a slow start to the pre-season and a nagging back injury, I beleive he will be wearing a Team Canada sweater come December. That would be a big relief!
Ryan Ellis – I thought when he signed an entry level contract with Nashville that he may be unavailable. But it looks like he is still playing in the OHL and should be ready for Team Canada.
Back to the main Team Canada Hockey site.
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