Dr.Sens(e)
Registered User
I don't think anyone is questioning Kessel's talent to make Canada's WJC team. But it wouldn't have shocked me if he hadn't of made it. A slight surprise, but no bigger than Canada WJC selection surprises of the past.
But if that did happen, it wouldn't mean that they felt Toews was the better talent - it would have just been a personal preference.
Hell, anyone who has watched Wolski play in the OHL this year can make a compelling argument that there is no way the guy shouldn't have been selected to Canada's WJC. But he wasn't even INVITED to camp as I recall. But Canada wins gold anyway. And not because they invited the 20 most talented players, but because they felt they needed a team with the right mix and chemisty. Eric Staal is another player who didn't get invited his draft year, but it doesn't mean he wasn't a better pro prospect at the time than some of the players who were.
All things being equal, Canada also typically brings along one younger guy if they can - ideally a guy with two more years of eligibility like Toews (where Kessel is a bit of an over-ager for this draft and only has one more year left). There is a certain degree of consideration given to succession.
But if that did happen, it wouldn't mean that they felt Toews was the better talent - it would have just been a personal preference.
Hell, anyone who has watched Wolski play in the OHL this year can make a compelling argument that there is no way the guy shouldn't have been selected to Canada's WJC. But he wasn't even INVITED to camp as I recall. But Canada wins gold anyway. And not because they invited the 20 most talented players, but because they felt they needed a team with the right mix and chemisty. Eric Staal is another player who didn't get invited his draft year, but it doesn't mean he wasn't a better pro prospect at the time than some of the players who were.
All things being equal, Canada also typically brings along one younger guy if they can - ideally a guy with two more years of eligibility like Toews (where Kessel is a bit of an over-ager for this draft and only has one more year left). There is a certain degree of consideration given to succession.