Team USA Names Fifteen Players To World Championship Squad
Though some of the names had already been confirmed, USA Hockey has released a full list of the 15 players that have agreed to play in the upcoming World Championships. The team so far is as follows:
Nick Bjugstad (Florida Panthers)
Daniel Brickley (Minnesota State, undrafted)
J.T. Compher (Colorado Avalanche)
Andrew Copp (Winnipeg Jets)
Danny DeKeyser (Detroit Red Wings)
Christian Dvorak (Arizona Coyotes)
Jordan Greenway (Boston University/Minnesota Wild)
Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings)
Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings)
Anders Lee (New York Islanders)
Connor Murphy (Arizona Coyotes)
Brock Nelson (New York Islanders)
Cal Petersen (Notre Dame/Buffalo Sabres)
Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg Jets)
Among the expected NHL names are three college player, Brickley, Greenway and Petersen who are interesting additions to the squad. Greenway, for instance, played in the World Juniors just a few months ago and is still just 20-years old. This shows how much the hockey world believes that he’s ready for the NHL, as he already has the size and strength to compete with fully grown men. Petersen’s inclusion as the third goalie is very interesting, as though he won’t be expected to get much playing time it is an excellent experience for the youngster. A prospect of the Buffalo Sabres, Petersen had another outstanding season for the Fighting Irish and is currently in negotiations with the team to turn pro.
Brickley on the other hand is currently a free agent, though he intends on returning to Minnesota State for his junior season. The undrafted defenseman just finished a point-per-game sophomore year which had him turning heads across the country. If he decides to turn pro after next year, he’ll have teams lined up to bid on his services. A good showing in the World Championships could increase his profile even further.
The Red Wings are well represented, and should be since Jeff Blashill will be the head coach of the team. Jack Capuano, Rand Pecknold and Seth Appert will join him as assistants. Larkin, Howard and DeKeyser should all play important roles on the team. Capuano will obviously be very familiar with the Lee-Nelson duo, though it may be a bit awkward after his firing earlier this season.
Snapshots: Holland, Blashill, Dallas
The Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs for the first time in a quarter century, and with it many fans were calling for the head of GM Ken Holland. While his recent history doesn’t sparkle with shrewd moves, the team feels as though he’s still the man to lead them back to the promised land. Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports that Christopher Illitch—son of the late Mike Illitch, who owned the Red Wings from 1982 through his death earlier this year—still has “100% confidence” in Holland and still thinks he’s the man to bring another championship to Detroit.
While votes of confidence from owners don’t always mean anything, it does seem that Holland is safe in Detroit. Illitch also said that head coach Jeff Blashill’s tenure with the team would be up to Holland, who later said that Blashill would return as coach. The Red Wings will go into the summer with several question marks on their roster, including what to do in net and on the blue line. With Petr Mrazek not running away with the starting job like the Red Wings had hoped, they again have a controversy over what to do with Jimmy Howard and his $5.29MM cap hit.
- For now, Blashill will be heading to the World Championships where he will coach Team USA. In fact, the coach will be taking Howard with him according to Ansar Khan of MLive. Blashill was an assistant coach for Team USA at the World Juniors in 2009, but has not since represented his country on the international stage. The tournament begins for Team USA on May 5th in Germany when they will take on the host country.
- Both Darren Dreger of TSN and Mark Spector of Sportsnet believe that the Dallas Stars will be moving quickly on their next head coach, perhaps even hiring him by the end of the week. Spector believes that Ken Hitchcock, a former Stars coach who was fired by the St. Louis Blues midway through this season, is one of the finalists, while Dreger names Gerard Gallant and Willie Desjardins as other top candidates. For what it’s worth, Craig Custance of ESPN guessed this morning that it would be Hitchcock. The 65-year old Hitchcock has 781 career coaching wins, putting him behind only Scotty Bowman, Joel Quennville and Al Arbour all-time.
Morning Notes: Ritchie, Bjork, Lockout
The Anaheim Ducks may lose a young forward for the start of their playoff series, as Nick Ritchie has a hearing with the Department of Player Safety this afternoon to determine his fate. Ritchie attacked Michal Rozsival in their game last night after the Blackhawks’ defender sent Corey Perry to the ice. Whether the league gives him just the one remaining game in the regular season, or a match in the playoffs is yet to be seen.
Recently, Micheal Haley received just a one-game ban for a similar incident though he actually struck Calle Jarnkrok when the Predators forward wasn’t even looking. In this instance, Rozsival is looking straight at Ritchie, despite not protecting himself. The Ducks forward does not have a history of supplemental discipline with the league, though was suspended multiple times during his stint in junior hockey with the Peterborough Petes. Hopefully for Ducks fans, the league hands out the same punishment it gave Haley.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe opines that the NHL’s Olympic decision could have an effect on whether or not the team can get Anders Bjork to leave school early now that Notre Dame’s dream season has come to an end. The team’s leading scorer could go back to school for one year, likely play for Team USA in the Olympics—he was born in Wisconsin—and then become an unrestricted free agent next August and decide on his NHL future. For what it’s worth, Bjork told Shinzawa’s colleague at the Globe John Connolly yesterday that he hadn’t really thought about what to do after this season yet, as he was still focused on the NCAA tournament. Notre Dame was eliminated last night at the hands of the powerhouse University of Denver 6-1.
- Jonathan Toews spoke with Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press for an excellent piece surrounding the possibility of another lockout looming after the tension of the Olympic decision. The NHL and NHLPA are clearly not on the same page at this point, and Toews wouldn’t be surprised to see another work stoppage. September 15th of 2019 is the month that should be circled on all of our calandars, as that is when the players could opt out of the current agreement and terminate the current CBA. The league has an opt out two weeks earlier, but with them offering the Olympics for an extension, it would be unlikely to see them use the clause.
Official Responses to NHL Olympic Announcement
Earlier today the NHL announced that it would not allow its players to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics. This announcement came after months of public negotiations involving the IOC, IIHF, NHLPA and the NHL.
The NHLPA released a response to the NHL’s announcement, and we’ve reproduced it in full below:
The players are extraordinarily disappointed and adamantly disagree with the NHL’s shortsighted decision to not continue our participation in the Olympics.
Any sort of inconvenience the Olympics may cause to next season’s schedule is a small price to pay compared to the opportunity to showcase our game and our greatest players on this enormous international stage.
A unique opportunity lies ahead with the 2018 and 2022 Olympics in Asia. The NHL may believe it is penalizing the IOC or the players, or both, for not giving the owners some meaningful concessions in order to induce them to agree to go to PyeongChang. Instead this impedes the growth of our great game by walking away from an opportunity to reach sports fans worldwide.
Moreover, it is doing so after the financial issues relating to insurance and transportation have been resolved with the IOC and IIHF. The League’s efforts to blame others for its decision is as unfortunate as the decision itself. NHL players are patriotic and they do not take this lightly. A decent respect for the opinions of the players matters. This is the NHL’s decision, and its alone. It is very unfortunate for the game, the players and millions of loyal hockey fans.”
The NHLPA clearly disagrees with the NHL’s position, and lays the non-participation solely at the feet of the NHL.
USWNT Ends Boycott, Will Play In World Championships
Nearly two weeks after the United States Women’s National Hockey Team announced that they’d be boycotting the upcoming World Championships, the squad has reached an agreement with USA Hockey. The two sides announced that they’ve finalized a new four-year deal “that will result in groundbreaking support” for the USWNT. According to Ken Campbell of THN.com (via Twitter), the deal is believed to be between $3.7MM and $4MM.
Previous reports had indicated that the players were looking for better financial support after dedicating years to the team. An ESPN story claimed that the women received only $1,000 for each of their six months of Olympic residency, and nothing during the remainder of the four years of training. With the new deal, the women will receive $2,000 a month and could earn up to $71K in non-Olympic years (via Campbell). The team is also set to receive the same amenities as the men’s team, including flying business class.
It had been a war of words since then, as USA Hockey stated that they were “disappointed” in the player’s demands. On the flip side, captain Meghan Duggan said that USA Hockey’s statements were “incredibly dishonest and misleading.” Following the NHLPA’s public support of the women, there were rumblings that American NHL players may refuse to play in this spring’s World Championships in solidarity. Fortunately, the two sides quickly moved to find a resolution, and reports from this morning indicated that a new deal was close.
“Today reflects everyone coming together and compromising in order to reach a resolution for the betterment of the sport,” said Jim Smith, the president of USA Hockey. “We’ll now move forward together knowing we’ll look back on this day as one of the most positive in the history of USA Hockey.”
“Our sport is the big winner today,” said Duggan. “We stood up for what we thought was right and USA Hockey’s leadership listened. In the end, both sides came together. I’m proud of my teammates and can’t thank everyone who supported us enough. It’s time now to turn the page. We can’t wait to play in the World Championship later this week in front of our fans as we try and defend our gold medal.”
The powerhouse program will return to work immediately, as ESPN’s Craig Custance tweets that the squad will practice on Thursday in preparation for their matchup against Canada on Friday night.
Snapshots: Team USA, Patrick, Penguins
After the US National Women’s team announced their boycott of the upcoming World Championships two weeks ago, there has been a war of words between the two sides and an outpouring of support from other professional leagues and players around the world. Now, with the tournament just a few days from starting—games are set to begin on Friday in Plymouth with Team USA facing off against Canada—there seems to be somewhat of an agreement in place.
Multiple reports including one from Frank Seravalli of TSN have the two sides very close to a deal being ratified today on equitable pay going forward. This would send the team to the tournament and bring closure to what has been a contentious period in women’s hockey. This comes on the heels of a report that the men’s team may also boycott if USA Hockey were to allow replacement players into the tournament in the women’s stead.
- Nolan Patrick again won’t play for the Brandon Wheat Kings in their game three matchup against the Medicine Hat Tigers tonight. According to Mike Morreale of NHL.com, he remains day-to-day for the Wheat Kings with a lower-body injury. The Tigers are up 2-0 in the series, and if Patrick doesn’t return soon he might not get a chance to compete in the playoffs at all this year. That would be a disappointing end to what has been a terrible draft year for the projected number one pick. It would give Nico Hischier and the Halifax Mooseheads—who are tied 1-1 in their playoff series—even more chances to prove why he should be considered for the top selection in this summer’s draft.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins had a fairly production practice this morning, as according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette they had Jake Guentzel, Ron Hainsey and Conor Sheary all on the ice. While Guentzel and Hainsey were both in non-contact jerseys, it is still a step forward as they try to get healthy for the playoffs. Coach Mike Sullivan told Mackey that Evgeni Malkin skated on his own before practice, and is “hopeful” to get him back soon.
Luke Kunin Turns Pro; Signs ATO With Iowa Wild
One of the biggest names in college hockey is set to join the professional ranks, as Luke Kunin has signed an entry-level deal with the Minnesota Wild. He’ll start on an amateur tryout for the remainder of this season, with his entry-level deal kicking in next fall. This had been expected for some time, but Wild fans can finally uncross their fingers and let out a sigh of relief. The University of Wisconsin center will be an interesting option for the NHL team as soon as next year. 
Selected fifteenth overall last summer, Kunin returned to Wisconsin for his sophomore season and improved in basically every way. Scoring 38 points in 35 games to lead his team, he improved his defensive game and took fewer penalties while being more physical. He was given the captaincy of the Badgers, the first sophomore to wear the “C” in over four decades, and also wore the same letter for Team USA at the World Junior Championships. He is a born leader on and off the ice, and may one day wear something on a Minnesota Wild sweater.
Given the Wild’s fairly deep forward group, Kunin may have to wait a year in the AHL before making his mark on the big stage. That shouldn’t slow him down though, as he’s heading for the NHL one day to be sure. With Iowa in a very tight race for the final playoff spot in the Central Division, Kunin will get a taste of the tight-checking hockey he’ll have to face down the line. It will be a good learning experience for him as he jumps right into the fire.
Kunin represents one of a handful of top Minnesota prospects that will start to replace the aging core of Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise and Jason Pominville over the next few years. Jordan Greenway, Kirill Kaprizov and Alex Tuch all look like they’ll be impact players in the NHL one day, as the Wild continue to show off their drafting skills. While they battle with the Chicago Blackhawks for the crown of the best in the West, there are more good days ahead for the Minnesota franchise and their fans.
Evening Snapshots: Beauts, DeAngelo, USA Women’s Hockey
News and notes from around the NHL this evening:
- The Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) won the League Championship—called the Isobel Cup—tonight by defeating the Boston Pride 3-2. The top womens league in North America is in its second year and consists of four teams. The NWHL faced controversy this season after announcing midway the season that it would cut players’ salary by 50% due to financial constraints. The league then shortened its season to accommodate the 2017 IIHF World Championships and 2018 Olympic preparation.
- AZCentral’s Sarah McLellan reports that Arizona Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett expects no supplemental discipline for defenseman Anthony DeAngelo‘s boarding penalty yesterday. DeAngelo earned a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct after boarding St. Louis Blues forward Zach Sanford in just the 2nd minute of the game. A suspension would be the second one of DeAngelo’s season. In January he received a three-game suspension for abuse of an official.
- Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reported today that top executives from USA Hockey will meet with representatives from the Women’s National Team tomorrow to discuss the ongoing wage dispute. Last Wednesday players from the team announced that they would boycott the upcoming World Championships—beginning March 31st in Plymouth, Michigan—if they do not receive a better wage structure. The players say that USA Hockey only pays each player $1,000 a month for the six months prior to the Olympic Games. The players seek something more substantial for the period between the Olympics.
Ottawa Senators Will Not Allow Erik Karlsson To Play In Olympics, Should NHL Not Participate
It’s looking more and more like the NHL will not head to the upcoming Winter Olympics in South Korea, but certain star players have already come out saying they’ll attend no matter what. Alex Ovechkin in particular has already gotten the support of his owner for going either way, but some might not be so warm to the idea.
According to Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk will not allow superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson to play if the NHL doesn’t go.
No, no, it would be no, a flat no. I talked to [Daniel] Alfredsson about it and he understands the player would want to (attend), but I’m not going to risk that.
It’s a strong statement from Melnyk and the Senators, who also could have Bobby Ryan with an outside shot at the Team USA squad next year. Ryan suited up for the 2010 squad that won a silver medal, though was left off the 2014 team and the latest World Cup squad.
Melnyk might seem like just a cold businessman protecting his financial assets, but it’s more than that. He has a first hand experience with what might happen should he let his stars go.
I had a Cup in 2006 parked for me and waiting for me….We were there and what happens? Hasek. I’m not going to do that.
In 2o06, the Senators were a dominant team led by prime Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson, and had one of the best goaltenders of all time in Dominik Hasek in net. Obviously they didn’t have the Stanley Cup locked up like Melnyk says, but they were as good of a threat as any to take it home.
Then at the Olympics Hasek injured himself and wouldn’t return. The team had to go into the playoffs with Ray Emery, who put up only a .900 save percentage and couldn’t keep up with the higher level of play. The Senators would lose to Hasek’s old team the Buffalo Sabres in the second round, despite having the second most points in the entire NHL in the regular season.
It will be interesting to see which owners allow the players to go, as many might just follow the decisions of their peers. When someone hears Melnyk’s story, and sees him refusing to let Karlsson go, it gets just a little bit easier to hold back your own players. At least Swedish defenders should be excited—a spot just opened up.
Snapshots: DeBrincat, Hansen, Eberle
The Chicago Blackhawks have another one coming. For a team that has drafted near the end of the first round for the past decade, they have re-filled their prospect cupboards quite effectively. Even without a first round pick last season, the Blackhawks look like they’ve struck gold with their top selection. Alex DeBrincat scored twice again today for the Erie Otters and broke 60 goals for the first time in his junior career.
DeBrincat is currently on a 17-game goal streak, and is a lock to lead the OHL in scoring this season. This from a player who was cut from the Team USA World Junior squad late last year, and had to wait until 39th overall to hear his name last summer. While it’s not certain that he’ll be able to duplicate his scoring touch at higher levels, his skill, creativity and shot have dominated the OHL since the moment he stepped on the ice. In three seasons, DeBrincat has scored 324 points in 185 games including 119 (60G, 59A) this season.
- While Nikolay Goldobin is scoring breakaway goals in Vancouver, the San Jose Sharks are still waiting for their big deadline acquisition to join them on the ice. Jannik Hansen has been held up by work visa issues since the deadline, and still won’t join the team in Minnesota tonight according to Kent Youngblood of the Mercury News. He’s also not expected to play tomorrow night against the Winnipeg Jets, but should be ready to go on Thursday when the Sharks return home.
- Tim Campbell of NHL.com discusses the Edmonton Oilers and their new line of Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic in his latest column. The trio has found instant success, and Eberle is feeling like it has actually been an excellent season for him, despite the lack of goal scoring. As Campbell points out, the 26-year old winger has an extremely low shooting percentage this year at just 8.8% but still has 14 goals and 39 points this season. If it came up to a more regular percentage of 12.5%—which is still much lower than his career mark—he’d have his fourth straight 20-goal season already. The Oilers can’t wait to see what he has in store for the playoffs, as Eberle was once known as one of the most “clutch” performers in hockey from his time at the World Juniors. In 56 career international contests—which includes five appearances in the World Championships—Eberle has recorded 70 points.