Team Canada released its preliminary World Juniors roster today. Three Rangers are on the camp invite list and one prominent is not, at least for now, Selection camp opens November 16 and the Blueshirts on this list will have an uphill battle to make the squad. Team Canada begins tournament play on December 26 against Germany.
46 #WorldJuniors hopefuls to participate in Canada's National Junior Team @SportChek Selection Camp, beginning November 16 in Red Deer, Alberta.
— #WorldJuniors (@HC_WJC) October 29, 2020
ROSTER: https://t.co/nXsd7rUsAkpic.twitter.com/1XtEqYJBc1
Making #NYR proud. 👊
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 29, 2020
Congratulations! https://t.co/aJZfRAQWAF pic.twitter.com/bARmEibMOX
Matthew Robertson (drafted in the second round last year), Braden Schneider (first round, 2020) and Dylan Garard (fourth round, 20020) all made the list of 46 named today. The Canada blueline is flat out stacked, meaning both Robertson and Schneider will have a difficult time making the roster, and even if they do, cracking the lineup. Schneider, one of five, right-handed defensemen in camp, brings a physical edge to his game that could enable him to make the roster. Robertson, one of 10, left-handed blue liners in camp, is more talented offensively, but Canada may have more of that type of player, possibly making his challenge harder.
Garard would appear to have a pretty good shot at earning one of the three goalie spots. Camp will decide who makes the team. One other factor though might be the potential start of the NHL season. The further that date is pushed back, the more of a chance the lineup configuration gets modified.
The prominent name missing is Alexis Lafreniere, who has played in two WJC tournaments. I wrote last week regarding his potential for playing in a third. If the season start date is moved back from January 1, the potential exists for him to be added to the roster. But I still view that as a mild longshot since he has already played twice and has little else to prove, especially after scoring 10 points in five games to lead Canada to the gold medal last year.
Here is an updated status regarding Lafreniere as of 1pm October 29. As you will see, the door is not completely closed on his participation. Chicago is loaning Kirby Dach to Canada for the tourney, wonder if Rangers do the same for Kaapo Kakko, who only played in last year's WJC, or Lafreniere.
Status of Alexis Lafreniere on Team Canada:
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisTHN) October 29, 2020
Tom Renney said discussions have been ongoing with the New York Rangers. Team is open-minded about Lafreniere playing for Canada but Hockey Canada will circle back in 10 days about Lafreniere's #WorldJuniors status.