I think I mentioned a few blogs ago a strong possibility Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would be playing for Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships, taking place in Russia this Christmas. Well, it's all happening.
From what I've gathered, the decision 100% belonged to the player. The Oilers let him decide, and he picked the tournament. And why shouldn't he do it? Playing in it isn't really going to enhance his on-ice skills, but it's an opportunity for him to lead a team on the international stage, and perhaps win a championship.
It should be interesting to watch games as they take place at 4am: It will be Nugent-Hopkins leading Team Canada vs Nail Yakupov leading Team Russia. I saw the list of players who could potentially be on the Canadian squad, and I'm not very confident we'll be coming home with gold. Sorry folks...Not trying to be negative; just being honest here. I think it's safe to say part of Nuge's interest in going is that he looked at the list too and thought they could use some help. Is goaltending, or the lack thereof, going to sink us again? It might.
Nugent-Hopkins departure from the Barons will open up two interesting possibilities: Does this mean Taylor Hall gets some time playing at center? Not crazy about this concept, but you never know. What's more likely in this situation will equate to Top 6 ice-time for Anton Lander and Ryan Martindale. Martindale, after a reasons first six games this season, has been out with a "lower body injury", but apparently is almost ready to return.
Nugent-Hopkins has returned to Edmonton to have his shoulder examined in preparation for WJHC camp.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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