An exciting invitation
Connor Brown considering suiting up for Team Canada
OTTAWA — The final buzzer won’t signal the end of the season for all the Ottawa Senators.
Some have been offered the opportunity to extend their year by suiting up at the IIHF world championship that will take place from May 21-tojune 6 in Riga, Latvia.
Ottawa wingers Connor Brown and Drake Batherson both confirmed Monday they’ve both been asked by Team Canada general manager Roberto Luongo to suit up for the country later this month, but there’s no certainty they’ll attend. It’s believed defenceman Thomas Chabot and winger Nick Paul are also on Canada’s radar screen.
In the case of the 27-yearold Brown, it’s a rare opportunity to represent his country and it doesn’t sound like he’ll pass up. He has the chance to be a key role player for coach Gerard Gallant, plus chip in offensively on a Canadian roster that’s expected to be young with a lot of players concerned about heading overseas because of COVID-19.
“I’ve been in contact with them,” Brown said Monday before facing the Winnipeg Jets at home. “It’s definitely something I’d consider and something I’d be excited about doing. Nothing’s been finalized, but it’s something I’d like to do.”
With two years left on his deal, the decision is easy for Brown to play for Canada. As for Batherson, it’s a different story and, as much as he’d like to play for the country, it may not make sense.
A restricted free agent, there would be concerns regarding insurance coverage for Batherson and he may be advised by his agents not to attend. He has a big contract negotiation ahead of him and even though he loves playing the game, attending this tourney at this point may not be prudent.
Batherson said he has to consider all the factors before making a determination.
“I don’t know much about it honestly. I’ve never been through a summer where I’m up for a contract so I’m going to have to ask some people who have been through it and see what advice they give me,” said Batherson. “My agents will lead me in the right direction. I’ll have to ask some former players and guys in our dressing room before I make a final decision.”
It’s not like Batherson, 23, hasn’t suited up for Canada before so, if he doesn’t go, other opportunities will come along when the timing is better and he has a contract in place.
“If it works out, it works out. If it doesn’t, that’s the way it goes,” Batherson said.
The Senators will wrap up their schedule May 12 against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Ottawa and Team Canada will meet in Newark, N.J. on May 15 to charter overseas the next day to Riga.
Brown is ready to extend his year.
“It’s a chance to play some meaningful hockey and that’s always the most fun,” said Brown.
As for Chabot, he may need to head overseas to help cement a spot with Canada at the Winter Olympics in Beijing while Paul could be used in a fourth-line role.