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Six (Maybe Seven) Leafs Named To World Cup Rosters

May 27, 2016, 6:51 PM ET [203 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Toronto Maple Leafs will have at least six players from 2016-17 roster participating in the World Cup of Hockey this September.

Defenseman Morgan Rielly was the only player selected among the initial 16 players for Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, the United States, the Czech Republic, Team North America and Team Europe, but the final seven players for each club selected on Friday included five more Leafs.

Recently signed KHL defenseman Nikita Zaitsev was selected by Team Russia, in part because of a strong showing that the World Championships in St. Petersburg and Moscow last week. Forward Milan Michalek was picked by the Czechs, who for the first time in over two decades will not have Jaromir Jagr on their roster.

Winger Leo Komarov was a late addition for Team Finland after a career-best 19 goals with Toronto last season and another strong international appearance at the Worlds. James van Riemsdyk was also selected for Team USA, in spite of missing most of the second half with a foot injury.

Presumptive 2016 top pick Auston Matthews will join Rielly on Team North America after leading Team USA with nine points and a berth in the medal round in Russia.

In notable ex-Leafs news, Phil Kessel was not selected by Team USA, who picked van Riemsdyk, David Backes, Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan over the speedy winger. The snub is a bit stunning, since Kessel has made the last two US Olympic teams and has been impressive for Pittsburgh in the playoffs, but the coach of the American squad is Columbus coach John Tortorella and both Dubinsky and Callahan played for the Jackets bench boss in New York.

The number of Leafs players could increase to seven if Toronto signs free agent Steven Stamkos this summer.


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