USA's preliminary World Cup of Hockey roster shows a different focus
Team USA officials concluded the best way to bring about enormous change to a lineup is to add a tough 265-pound defenseman with a wickedly hard slap shot and a quality offensive touch.
Wanting to add a grittier look to the American group heading into next summer’s World Cup of Hockey, USA general manager Dean Lombardi named 6-5 Winnipeg Jets standout Dustin Byfuglien as one of the 16 early selections to the team.
“He has really taken his game to another level,” U.S. assistant general manager Paul Holmgren said. “He is clearly a better player leading up to the World Cup than he was going in to the Olympic Games in 2014.”
Byfuglien would have been one of the hottest NHL free agents this offseason but recently chose to re-sign with the Jets.
“He’s trimmed down, and he’s made more of a commitment,” Holmgren said. “He’s become a better pro. … This is a real positive addition to the team, not only because of his size and physical attributes, but also because he can play the game. And he can play defense and forward.”
The other defensemen named Wednesday were Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild), Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers) and John Carlson (Washington Capitals). The centers are Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks), Derek Stepan (Rangers) and Ryan Kesler (Anaheim Ducks). And the wings are Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Zach Parise (Wild), Max Pacioretty (Montreal Canadiens), T.J. Oshie (Capitals), Blake Wheeler (Jets), and Justin Abdelkader (Detroit Red Wings).
Of that group, Byfuglien and Abdelkader were the only players who didn't play for the USA at the Sochi Olympics in 2014. Like Byfuglien, Abdelkader offers a physical edge to his game.
“He’s very difficult to play against, and he’s only going to get better,” Lombardi said.
The goalies chosen: Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings), Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils). Quick was the USA's starter in Sochi.
Always a factor for the Americans in building a team for international competition is whether to design it to face all competition or to measure up against archrival Canada. Historically, a physical team is needed to compete against the Canadians.
“The logic defines itself,” Lombardi said. “Let’s get real here. Canada has always been the mark. History speaks for itself. You look at the National Hockey League, and so much is defined by Canada. It’s safe to say they are clearly the favorites. They always are. If we are in it to win, then it’s not illogical to say, ‘You’d better prepare to beat them.’ ”
Three more defensemen and four forwards will be added before June 1. Some prominent Americans who have not been named include David Backes and Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues), Phil Kessel (Pittsburgh Penguins), Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes), plus Tyler Johnson and Ryan Callahan (Lightning).
“This is the first time I’ve ever been engaged as a leader of a group like this,” Lombardi said. “I didn’t realize how difficult it could be. The difficulty comes from one problem: We have a lot of talented, character players to choose from. It’s very difficult to leave certain players off. Second, it’s imperative that we get this right or more importantly that we leave no stone unturned.”
The World Cup, jointly sponsored by the NHL and the NHL Players Association, will include teams from Canada, USA, the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden and Russia. Plus, there will be a North American team consisting of players who are 23 and under as of Oct. 1, 2016, plus a Team Europe, consisting of players outside the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and Sweden.