Hossa
Registered User
With the World Junior Hockey Championships taking place in Vancouver, the Canucks would absolutely love for one of their prospects to make headwaves in the tournament. With the NHL club solid but hardly spectacular, this tournament could generate excitement for fans growing weary of the slow rebuilding process. From the looks of it, at least one player may just satisfy such desires for excitement.
Heading to Vancouver
Evgeni Malkin - The best player not in the NHL is likely to suit up for Russia to dominate the tournament in a way few players have in recent memory. Malkin has been scoring at or above a point a game all season in the Russia Super League and should also play for Russia in the Olympics in February. The super-prospect will certainly amaze in front of Vancouver fans eager to see him with the Canucks in the future.
David Krejci - A third round pick in June's draft, Krejci will be playing in his second consecutive tournament. After playing largely on the third line last year, the Gatineau Olympiques forward should play a key role for a talented Czech squad.
Jakub Sindel - Joining Krejci on the Czech team will be the ultra-talented Sindel, who has been playing at home this year after a stint in the WHL. A second round pick in 2004, Sindel has all the skills but also has a slender frame and this tournament will be a test for him.
Kris Letang - The club's fourth round pick from June, Letang thrived playing alongside junior team-mate Luc Bourdon at last year's Under-18 World Championships, and will be asked to do the same this year at the Under-20s. Not the biggest player, Letang skates very well and has a wealth of offensive talent. He is also eligible next year.
Not making the cut
Carey Price - The club's first round pick from June was surprisingly beat out for the back-up job for Team Canada by Devan Dubnyk. Although Price was solid but unspectacular while Dubnyk struggled mightily at times, the 18 year old was sent home. He will likely be the starter next year.
Derek Joslin, Brian Bickell, Wes O'Neill - The club's only other junior-eligible players were all left off the Canadian WJC evaluation camp roster. None were surprising, although they have all had solid seasons. Bickell in particular currently sits sixth in the OHL in goals.
Heading to Vancouver
Evgeni Malkin - The best player not in the NHL is likely to suit up for Russia to dominate the tournament in a way few players have in recent memory. Malkin has been scoring at or above a point a game all season in the Russia Super League and should also play for Russia in the Olympics in February. The super-prospect will certainly amaze in front of Vancouver fans eager to see him with the Canucks in the future.
David Krejci - A third round pick in June's draft, Krejci will be playing in his second consecutive tournament. After playing largely on the third line last year, the Gatineau Olympiques forward should play a key role for a talented Czech squad.
Jakub Sindel - Joining Krejci on the Czech team will be the ultra-talented Sindel, who has been playing at home this year after a stint in the WHL. A second round pick in 2004, Sindel has all the skills but also has a slender frame and this tournament will be a test for him.
Kris Letang - The club's fourth round pick from June, Letang thrived playing alongside junior team-mate Luc Bourdon at last year's Under-18 World Championships, and will be asked to do the same this year at the Under-20s. Not the biggest player, Letang skates very well and has a wealth of offensive talent. He is also eligible next year.
Not making the cut
Carey Price - The club's first round pick from June was surprisingly beat out for the back-up job for Team Canada by Devan Dubnyk. Although Price was solid but unspectacular while Dubnyk struggled mightily at times, the 18 year old was sent home. He will likely be the starter next year.
Derek Joslin, Brian Bickell, Wes O'Neill - The club's only other junior-eligible players were all left off the Canadian WJC evaluation camp roster. None were surprising, although they have all had solid seasons. Bickell in particular currently sits sixth in the OHL in goals.
