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Making the American World Junior Squad: Forwards |
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Overall the Americans have a good mixture of grit and skill to choose from. They have many players I left off that have more skill but are smaller guys, I didn't want to have too many under 5'11 players. In the end I tried to balance the smaller ultra skill players with guys that can TKO anybody that messes with them, while still having the ability to play the game. They lack a Yakupov/Nugent-Hopkins/Huberdeau level of player, but I never count the US out of breaking a few hearts.
Johnny Gaudreau - J.T. Miller – Riley Barber
The first line is one that brings explosive offensive talent. Gaudreau is a Flames prospect and he has been torching the NCAA. After his almost unbelievable rookie season where he averaged a PPG, he already has 9 goals and 19 points in 11 games so far. That is amazing for a 19 year old; only issue is he’s only 5’8. J.T. Miller makes a return and has been playing in the AHL doing fairly well. He has a lot of natural talent and though he has trouble putting up the numbers, he just has such raw ability. I can see him taking the top line especially since he has a good defensive game as well. Riley Barber has been rocketing up the ranks with his crazy start to the year. He already has 5 goals and 15 points in 12 games for Miami University. The Caps seem to have gotten a steal in the 6th round last draft and he leads his team in points.
Rocco Grimaldi - Alex Galchenyuk – Stefan Noesen
The second line will also feature some great offense. The 5’8 Grimaldi was injured for most of the year last year and only got to play 4 games. His skill level is off the charts and he has excellent speed and stick skills. He’s having a strong start for the University of North Dakota with 4 goals and 7 points in 10 games. Galchenyuk is a given for the squad and the 3rd overall pick after a slow start has been on fire climbing the OHL scoring race. The two-way center was named captain of the Sting and has 35 points in 22 games good for a tie for 6th in points. Noesen probably should have made the squad last season, but he’ll easily make it this year. He’s leading his Whalers again and has 14 goals in 21 games. More importantly he brings a great gritty two-way game and likes to get under players skins.
Henrik Samuelsson - Vincent Trocheck – Adam Erne
Samuelsson was the Coyotes first round pick last draft and is an interesting player. He’s got good offensive instincts, decent defensive awareness and loves to go to the net. He’s extremely physical which is both his great strength and big weakness; he’s thrown a lot of questionable hits and has been suspended a good deal. Trocheck is tied with Galchenyuk in points and brings everything you need from a pivot. The captain of the Spirit in my opinion has to make it; he can score, make plays, defend well and win face-offs. Adam Erne is a draft eligible winger that plays for Quebec. He’s one of the top players in the Q. He brings a little physicality, but his scoring skills are what will get him on the squad.
Stefan Matteau – Brady Vail – Tyler Biggs
I like to think of this as the kickass line, this trio would be extremely hard to play against and will hurt some people. Matteau and Biggs both play a similar game, they’re both big and strong players who love to hit and can play well defensively. Matteau has gone overboard a lot with some of his hits. Together they’d make a fantastic tough to play against duo that can send people through the glass. Both also have a bit of scoring prowess. Vail is a strong defensive center in his own right. He’s fantastic on the draw and can anchor a penalty kill. He’d be a solid addition.
Just Missed Out:
Reid Boucher (Devils), Tony Cameranesi (Leafs), Justin Kloos (Undrafted), Zach Stepan (Predators), Dominic Toninato (Leafs), Nicolas Kerdiles (Ducks), Taylor Cammarata (2014 hurt to leave him off as he’s basically the new Patrick Kane and already tearing the USHL apart), Quentin Shore (Undrafted), Cristoval Nieves (Rangers), Travis Boyd (Capitals), Seth Ambroz (Blue Jackets), Blake Pietila (Devils), J.T. Compher (2013), Ryan Hartman (2013) and Jimmy Vesey (Predators).
Thanks for reading Defense up next followed by Team Sweden.
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