Canada's World Junior Defence

[Dream Big]

Just thinking that next years 18 year old Canadian defensemen are quite unlucky since 5 of 7 d on the World Jrs. this year are 18 years olds and likely to return next year as 19 year olds.

There will only be 2 spots open and how hard will that be to get one of those two spots. Cam Barker made it last year as an 18 when the D was all 19 year olds. But I think he was the only one. We seem to be in a two year cycle. One year predominately 19 the next 18.

Is this a good thing?

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[Brock]

I think it's extremely likely we could see 3 spots open, as Marc Staal has a very good chance to make the Rangers next year as a 19 year old. However, even then he could still get released to play.

 

[Dream Big]

I guess three openings are possible. I too heard that Staal may play up but as you mentioned he could get released for World Jrs.

Someone was commenting on how strong the defense in the 88 year group was. But will they be able to displace an established 87 next year? Or beat out another 87 who was invited this year but got cut due to numbers?