Sutter gives himself a week to finalize his junior roster
Drouin still recovering from concussion; Rielly, Monahan probably not available
TORONTO — All 25 players attending the Canadian world junior selection camp have passed their first test.
They’re all off to Europe and will be part of the team for the first of three pretournament games on Dec. 20 against Finland in Angelholm, Sweden.
That’s when the line could end for some of them.
“I’d like to have the decision pretty firm in my head before our last two exhibition games,” head coach Brent Sutter said about finalizing his 22-man roster. “That can depend on circumstances such as injuries and so forth.”
Returning forward Jonathan Drouin didn’t skate in Toronto as he’s still recovering from a concussion.
Josh Morrissey, an 18-yearold defenceman with the Prince Albert Raiders, was held out from Saturday’s exhibition game because of a lingering ailment.
That has muddied the waters a bit. But Sutter said everyone travelling overseas is doing so on merit.
“The reality is we still have a couple, three guys banged up and we’re not exactly sure,” he said. “Hopefully they can get skating when they get over there. Whether or not they can be ready for the first exhibition game or not, we’re not sure.
“All these guys deserve to continue to push to try to be on the team. They’re going to get a few more days to do so. It’s a moving target when that day will come to get down to 22.”
Drouin’s health has been a cause for concern since he was concussed in a Quebec league game on Dec. 6.
Drouin had four points in six tournament games last year as a 17-year-old before being picked third overall in the 2013 NHL draft by Tampa Bay. He’s expected to be the linchpin offensively for Canada.
Drouin has been riding a stationary bike instead of practising and said he hasn’t had any headaches since Thursday.
The selection camp consisted of just one practice and one exhibition contest. Sunday’s on-ice session was cancelled.
Sutter has heard no updates about whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs or Calgary Flames will lend Morgan Rielly or Sean Monahan respectively to the team.