Add Connor Hellebuyck to the growing list of American-born National Hockey League players who no longer want to be a part of the Canadian franchises that drafted and developed them. The longtime Winnipeg Jets goaltender and former Vezina Trophy winner has made it clear that he wants to play for a team located south of the 49th parallel. It's possible, in today's far cooler political climate between the two nations, that these players don't feel fully welcomed by their communities and simply desire to spend most of their time on the home soil of the nation of their birth. But there's also a theme that quitting is easier than making things work where you are.
Matthew Tkachuk, following a playoff drubbing by the Edmonton Oilers in the Battle of Alberta, ran for the border as quickly as he could that offseason. The Flames were a good team, and even had a brief lead in the playoff series before the wheels fell off, but Tkachuk decided to get as far away from Connor McDavid and crew as he could. It worked out for him, winning two Stanley Cups hidden behind the elite play of non-American Alexandr Barkov, but if there was any question about Tkachuk's own impact on those series, it was answered by the Florida Panther's draft lottery eligible finish last season.
The other brother, Brady Tkachuk, vehemently denied the yellow streak that led to a trade to join his brother in Florida. But the truth came out days later, when his trade demand came to fruition. The 0-4 beating at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche had been too much for the Ottawa Senators' captain to handle, and he flew south to hide behind his big brother (behind Barkov). A captain abandoning the team he's meant to lead is certainly a statement, and the Senators will have to think carefully about who they assign the "C" to in the future.
Oilers core by country of origin
With the exodus of Americans (we didn't even mention Quinn Hughes), it's worth taking a look at the Oilers' roster and assessing the risk of departures. The best Oilers players, those that fans in Edmonton will see on the powerplay in the upcoming season, are all non-Americans. By count:
- Canadians: 11
- Americans: 7
- Germans: 2
- Swedes: 2
- Finns: 1
- Russians: 2
- Danes: 1
One of those Americans is Trent Frederic, and nothing would be sweeter than hearing the words "The trade is 1-for-1" announcing the departure of that poorly thought through signing. The Oilers have no American stars, only a group of depth defensemen and forwards, who generally don't have the leverage to demand a trade, nor the demand on the receiving end of such a deal. It's looking like a good decision in the rearview mirror, because these days it's awfully clear that certain passports means more than staying loyal to one's teammates and the fans who buy the jerseys with their name on the back.
Although there is a silver lining, this trend does not bode well for the Oilers attracting potential future free agent signings.
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