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Several final rosters for the 2021 World Junior Championship were released this past week and we also learned what division the Anaheim Ducks may play in for the 2020-21 season. Here are the updates for the week of Dec. 7-13.
DUCKS’ POTENTIAL DIVISION FOR SEASON REPORTED
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun shared a look at what the divisions could be for the season and things aren’t looking good for the Ducks. Anaheim could be in a division with Arizona, Colorado, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Jose, St. Louis and Vegas.
DRYSDALE REPRESENTING CANADA ONCE AGAIN
It should surprise nobody to see Jamie Drysdale listed on Canada’s final roster for the 2021 World Juniors. The defenseman was a member of last year’s team and should be counted on to take on a key role at the tournament.
FOUR DUCKS PROSPECTS NAMED TO TEAM USA's WJC ROSTER
Sam Colangelo, Jackson LaCombe, Henry Thrun and Trevor Zegas were all named to USA’s 25-man roster for the tournament. Zegras was the only player of the group to play in last year’s tournament.
SUNDSVIK MAKES TEAM SWEDEN’S WJC ROSTER
Ducks prospect Albin Sundsvik will be the lone player from the organization representing Sweden at the tournament. The forward survived the team’s last cut and will be making his first appearance at the tournament.
As for this week’s poll questions, here are the results and my thoughts on how they turned out:
QUESTION: How would you feel about Anaheim's playoff chances, if the division reported is the one they compete in for the 2020-21 season?
(Votes: 69)
Much worse: 68% Slightly worse: 19% The same as before: 12% Slightly better: 1% Much better: 0%
Have to agree here. Anaheim may want to rethink their goal to be competitive as soon as possible, given that they’ll likely be competing against some of the top teams from the Central Division, in addition to Vegas.
QUESTION: Do you think Jamie Drysdale will play with Bowen Byram for the majority of the World Juniors?
(Votes: 22)
Yes: 86% No: 14%
Byram and Drysdale will likely both take on key minutes for Canada this year. There’s a good chance we see the two on a pairing, taking on the toughest matchups for a good portion of the tournament.
QUESTION: Are you surprised that all four Ducks prospects made USA’s final WJC roster?
(Votes: 22)
Yes: 68% No: 32%
It’s a talented group for sure but I don’t think many people were expecting all four prospects to make the team. When the preliminary rosters were released, only 21 per cent of readers voted that they thought all four prospects would make the final roster.
QUESTION: Are you surprised that Albin Sundsvik made Sweden’s final WJC roster?
(Votes: 17)
Yes: 86% No: 14%
Most people wouldn’t consider Sundsvik to be one of Anaheim’s top prospects and Sweden will have a strong team. As a result, it was somewhat surprising to see him make the team.
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OTHER DUCKS ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER Colangelo, LaCombe, Thrun and Zegras named to USA’s preliminary WJC roster Albin Sundsvik named to Sweden’s preliminary WJC roster Weekly Recap: Ducks Edition (December 6) Ducks will need multiple forwards to step up next season Albin Sundsvik named to Sweden's final WJC roster