It’s not like Canada’s hockey world has changed dramatically since March 1st.
But with seven players still to be named to the country’s entry in next fall’s World Cup of Hockey, an announcement expected to be made before the end of the month, there is the sense that the ground has shifted slightly.
After all, the first 16 players were named before the Pittsburgh Penguins got hot, before Boston fell out of the playoffs, before L.A. and the New York Rangers got knocked out in the first round, before only three Canadian players finished in the top 10 of NHL scoring, way back when it even seemed possible Carey Price would play a game or two before the season ended.
So when Team Canada’s brass met via conference call two days ago, there were names on their watch list that weren’t there two months ago. You’d have to figure that San Jose forward Logan Couture, for instance, has rocketed into prominence since putting up 17 points in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Pittsburgh defenceman Kris Letang, just brilliant for the Pens down the stretch, has gone from longshot to virtual lock. Rick Nash, on the other hand, has likely has fallen out of contention entirely, while Corey Perry of the Ducks probably needs to impress at the world championships in Russia after failing to score a goal for Anaheim in the post-season.
Philadelphia’s Claude Giroux, meanwhile, is going to have hip surgery, and it’s unclear how that will impact his status.
“There were definitely some different names on our watch list when we named our first 16,” confirmed Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong Friday.
Perry, Boston winger Brad Marchand, Edmonton winger Taylor Hall, Colorado forward Matt Duchene, Buffalo centre Ryan O’Reilly and Montreal forward Brendan Gallagher are all trying to catch Team Canada’s eye in Moscow. Head coach Mike Babcock left for the worlds today along with Team Canada assistant GM Marc Bergevin to check out some of the candidates.
“I’ve asked (Babcock) to help out with our short list,” said Armstrong.
Armstrong said it’s possible the playoffs and world championships could alter the final roster choices.
“We’re about halfway there now towards making our decisions,” he said. “But the World Cup is going to be a brightly lit stage. So how a player does in the bright lights matters. If they excel in those environments, that’s important.”
Armstrong said he’s received no indication from Price or his representatives that suggests he won’t be ready for training camp in September.
The final Team Canada roster is expected to be announced on May 27.
