Competition wide open for world junior spots
Some years, it feels like the Canadian world junior team could be picked before selection camp starts.
This isn’t one of those years. On Monday, Hockey Canada revealed the 31 players (four goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 17 forwards) for its final tryout starting next week in Oakville, Ont. There are a number of question marks for a country trying to rebound from a 2019 tournament in British Columbia where Canada failed to win a medal.
Four eligible players — forwards Barrett Hayton (Arizona Coyotes), Kirby Dach (Chicago Blackhawks), Joe Veleno (Detroit Red Wings) and defenceman Noah Dobson (New York Islanders) — were left off the list because it isn’t yet clear if their NHL clubs will release them for the event, which begins Dec. 26 against the United States in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
At this point, Hayton and Dach are long shots to be loaned to Hockey Canada. The outlook is more favourable for Veleno, who is playing in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and Dobson, who has been used sparingly.
“We’re continuing to have conversations with all four NHL teams,” said Shawn Bullock, Hockey Canada’s director of men’s national teams. “Time is on our (side). The (NHL holiday) roster freeze is Dec. 19 and that’s when we expect a final decision, if not before that.”
There are some injury issues that have hampered the scouting process, too.
Former OHL first overall pick Ryan Suzuki, a Hurricanes first-rounder and Barrie Colts standout, was passed over while recovering from an eye injury that left him sidelined for several weeks.
Halifax defenceman Jared Mcisaac, a member of last year’s Canadian squad, and Winnipeg forward Peyton Krebs, are heading to camp despite missing the first three months of their seasons.
Mcisaac, a Red Wings prospect, has only appeared in one game with the Mooseheads, while Krebs, a Vegas first-rounder, has skated in five games.
“It’s always a concern when someone comes back from a long-term injury,” said Mark Hunter, Team Canada’s GM.
“The reports we got from Halifax and Winnipeg, everything’s fine. But it’s another level of speed and skill when you come to camp.”
Owen Sound captain Aidan Dudas also earned a look after being hurt in a game last week at Kitchener.
“That’s something we’ve got to figure out,” Hunter said. “We’ll have our doctors evaluate, and if
WORLD JUNIOR SELECTION CAMP ROSTER
Goaltenders (4): Olivier Rodrigue, Drummondville, QMJHL, (Oilers, 68th overall, 2018); Nico Daws, Guelph, OHL; Joel Hofer, Portland, WHL (Blues, 107th overall, 2018); Hunter Jones, Peterborough, OHL, (Wild, 59th overall, 2019).
Defence (10): Ty Smith, Spokane, WHL (Devils, 17th overall, 2018); Jared Mcisaac, Halifax, QMJHL, (Red Wings, 36th overall, 2018); Bowen Byram, Vancouver, WHL (Avalanche, fourth overall, 2019); Kevin Bahl, Ottawa, OHL (Coyotes, 55th overall, 2018); Calen Addison, Lethbridge, WHL (Penguins, 53rd overall, 2018); Jacob Bernard-docker, University of North Dakota, NCAA, (Senators, 26th overall, 2018); Peter Diliberatore, Quinnipiac University, NCAA, (Golden Knights, 180th overall, 2018); Jamie Drysdale, Erie, OHL; Thomas Harley, Mississauga, OHL (Stars, 18th overall, 2019); Braden Schneider, Brandon, WHL.
Forwards (17): Alexis Lafreniere, Rimouski, QMJHL; Connor Mcmichael, London, OHL (Capitals, 25th overall, 2019); Nolan Foote, Kelowna, WHL (Lightning, 27th overall, 2019); Liam Foudy, London, OHL (Blue Jackets, 18th overall, 2018); Akil Thomas, Niagara, OHL (Kings, 51st overall, 2018); Quinton Byfield, Sudbury, OHL; Dylan Cozens, Lethbridge, WHL, (Sabres, seventh overall, 2019); Cole Perfetti, Saginaw, OHL; Ty Dellandrea, Flint, OHL (Stars, 13th overall, 2018); Aidan Dudas, Owen Sound, OHL (Kings, 113th overall, 2018); Benoit-olivier Groulx, Halifax, QMJHL (Ducks, 54th overall, 2018); Dylan Holloway, University of Wisconsin, NCAA; Peyton Krebs, Winnipeg, WHL (Golden Knights, 17th overall, 2019); Raphael Lavoie, Halifax, QMJHL (Oilers, 38th overall, 2019); Dawson Mercer, Drummondville, QMJHL; Alex Newhook, Boston College, NCAA (Avalanche, 16th overall, 2019); Jakob Pelletier, Moncton, QMJHL, (Flames, 26th overall, 2019).
he can’t go, he can’t go.”
The only certainty is Alexis Lafreniere, the Rimouski star forward and front-runner to be picked first overall in the 2020 NHL draft. He’s expected to be a major factor for the Dale Hunter-coached Canadian team.
“His experience (from last year) is really valuable,” Hockey Canada head scout Brad Mcewan said. “Until you live it, it’s hard to explain what it’s all about. Knowing Alexis’ character, he’s going to be a real good, positive guy for our team, and we expect leadership in the way he conducts himself and plays.”
With only four potential returnees (Lafreniere, Mcisaac, Veleno and Spokane defenceman Ty Smith), the door is open for younger players to crack the lineup. Sudbury’s Quinton Byfield, Saginaw’s Cole Perfetti and Erie’s Jamie Drysdale are 17-year-olds and potential NHL first-round picks. They’re three of the six invitees who have yet to be drafted by an NHL club.
“We felt strongly they were the best players, irrelevant of age,” Mcewan said.