Edmonton Oilers Named to World Cup of Hockey Rosters
Edmonton Oilers Named to World Cup of Hockey Roster
Today, the World Cup of Hockey rosters were finalized. Many Edmonton Oilers players were named to their respectful nation’s teams, but there were others that were left off, leaving some to scratch their heads and wonder why.
Next: Team North America
Team North America
Team North America has the most connection to the Edmonton Oilers as the management team has Peter Chiarelli as the co-general manager, Todd McLellan is the head coach, and Jay Woodcroft is an assistant coach.
For players Connor McDavid was already named to the team but he will be joined by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as he was named to the team today.
Next: Team Russia
Team Russia
I would think that Nail Yakupov was left of the roster because of his war of words with the coach before the World Championships. This will again remove Yakupov from representing his home country as he hasn’t done so since he captained the 2012 world junior team to a bronze medal.
Next: Team Europe
Team Europe
Europe will have two Oilers on it Leon Draisaitl and Andrej Sekera that were named previously. These two have to make a choice when it comes to the World Cup as their national teams will be battling for Olympic berths.
Next: Team USA
Team USA
There will be no Edmonton Oilers on the World Cup roster. Matt Hendricks and Patrick Maroon were long shots to make the World Cup roster but they tried to make their way in with their performances at the World Championships. Both had good tournaments but not good enough to crack the USA team as there were a few other players left off the roster that had people scratching their heads.
Next: Team Finland
Team Finland
Only Lauri Korpikoski was named to Finland from the Oilers. Korpikoski was a surprise pick from the beginning as Finland has been an international hockey powerhouse this year and Korpikoski isn’t the biggest star you think of when it comes to Finland. But he’s an Oiler and he’s on the team so I will be watching to see if a good World Cup can jump start his season with the Oilers this year.
Next: Team Sweden
Team Sweden
There were no Oilers selected to team Sweden. Oscar Klefbom had probably the best chance at the beginning of the season, but after missing most of the season with injuries he was left off. Klefbom could be a staple on the blueline in future international tournaments so hopefully he can have a strong offseason rehab to be in shape to start the season.
Next: Team Czech Republic
Team Czech Republic
No Oilers were selected to team Czech Republic but former Oiler Ales Hemsky was selected today.
Next: Team Canada
Team Canada
After a strong World Championship where he led Canada in goals, Taylor Hall was left off team Canada. This was a surprise to some as Team Canada goes into the World Cup now with only 2 natural wingers and a plethora of centremen who will have to play on the wing. Hopefully Hall can turn this snub into motivation for the season to prove team Canada’s brass wrong in leaving him off the team.
Next: Edmonton Oilers: Andrew Ference Made Good Impact
Overall, Edmonton will be well represented at the World Cup this year which is a strong sign that there is a wealth of skill and talent on the team. Now everyone just needs to come together to play well and Peter Chiarelli only has to add a few pieces on the blue line and the bottom six forwards to complete the team.