After a couple of countries announced their World Junior Selection Camp rosters earlier in the week, we have an excellent opportunity to step away from any kind of a ranking or profile-based segment for this week’s edition of The Journey, and discuss some of the interesting dynamics at play! 

Canada

Several notable omissions:

Canada’s roster looks to be one of the most internally competitive in several years… this list of notable prospects who were left off of the selection camp roster is a strong indication of that. 

Samuel Poulin, LW | Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) | Pittsburgh Penguins

It’s quite disappointing to see the sizeable winger omitted from Canada’s selection camp. I’ve had the opportunity to see Poulin play live both in regular season competition and during the CIBC Canada-Russia series and felt quite positive about his chances of making the team. His strength and quickness would’ve seemingly been an asset throughout the lineup. 

Jett Woo, D | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) | Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks prospect kicked off his D+2 campaign on a new WHL squad in Calgary. After being left off of the 2018-19 roster, he managed to once again play himself off of the roster, and the selection camp roster to boot. 

Jamieson Rees, C | Sarnia Sting (OHL) | Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina’s second-round steal from last summer’s entry draft is an exciting player to watch, but his lack of multi-dimensional development was likely a major factor in Canada’s decision to leave him home this Christmas. That’s not to say that Rees won’t develop into a well-rounded player at the NHL level someday, but for now, he may simply be too focused on scoring and looking great doing it. 

Ryan Merkley, D | London Knights (OHL) | San Jose Sharks

… rumour has it, he’s kind of a jerk. That being said, Canada’s head coach, Dale Hunter is his HC in London. Minor head-scratcher.

Brayden Tracey, C | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) | Anaheim Ducks

Not long after being signed to an ELC by the Ducks, the Warriors forward was omitted from Canada’s selection roster. Tracey’s had a shortened start to the year due to an upper-body injury that kept him in Anaheim after NHL training camp, but that’s unlikely to be a major factor in his omission. 

Gabriel Fortier, C | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) | Tampa Bay Lightning

I was also impressed by Gabe Fortier during his stint with team QMJHL versus the Russians. The Lightning prospect has always been revered as a multi-dimensional forward – which seems like it was a priority for Canada’s selection staff. Fortier’s offense doesn’t typically come with much sacrifice; however, it also doesn’t typically come at the same rate as some of the other multi-dimensional players named to the preliminary roster such as Quinton Byfield or Benoit-Olivier Groulx.

The year of the draft-eligibles: (and my odds for them making the final roster)

[50:1] Alexis Lafreniere, C 

[5:1] Quinton Byfield, C 

[1:1] Dylan Holloway, C 

[1:4] Dawson Mercer, RW

[1:1] Jamie Drysdale, D

[1:8] Braydon Schneider, D

[1:8] Nico Daws, G

Potential ringers:

The Canadians also have an interesting list of pro-level players who could enter the fold at a later date. Any of these three would be locks for the final roster, but two of the three could be coveted resources for their NHL clubs. Of the three, Joe Veleno is the most likely to be loaned out for the festive tournament, but all have good reason to be loaned. I’ve also included my assessment of their odds of being loaned to the Canadians.

[15:1] Noah Dobson, D | New York Islanders

Dobson has been healthy-scratched by the Isles well over ten times this year. He’s so close to being ready for the NHL, but the revived confidence that can be offered by leading a World Junior squad should be considered a requirement. 

[5:1] Barrett Hayton, C | Arizona Coyotes 

Hayton has played in a handful more NHL games than Dobson this year but his role has been highly sheltered. A position of leadership on Team Canada would be a more suitable temporary role. 

[20:1] Joe Veleno, C | Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings) 

Learning the ropes of the pro level in Grand Rapids has been an appropriate spot for Veleno to develop at this stage in his career, however, being loaned for the tournament would be an exciting opportunity to put what he’s learned as a pro, on display versus peers. 

Some of the other preliminary/selection rosters that were named over the past week include the following: 

Finland
 

Sweden

This will be the first time that many fans are exposed to the likes of several of Europe’s most exciting draft eligible prospects. The Swede’s are very likely to include both Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond in their final roster. 

The team will be led by several returning players including Nils Lundkvist [NYR], Adam Ginning [PHI], and Samuel Fagemo [LAK].
 

Czech Republic

The Czech’s are unlikely to have a final roster that is heavy with draft-eligibles. Rather, the team will lean on returning forward Jakub Lauko [BOS] to bring a sense of veteran leadership to the squad as they hope to make it out of the round-robin.

Slovakia

The Slovak roster will leave any casual fan scratching their head at the unfamiliarity of the players named. Thankfully the team will likely be able to count on an a couple of unproclaimed CHL players including Max Cajkovic [TB] to make their roster a little more interesting.

Russia 

After barely losing to the CHL in the CIBC series last month, the Russians have likely already selected their final roster. The squad will be led by the skilled and boisterous Vasili Podkolzin [VAN], as well as returning forward Grigori Denisenko [FLA]. The team will have no shortage of skill, and as they’ll arrive at the tournament having played a significant amount of time together, could become an early favorite. 

*** Team USA will name their roster at 1PM EST on Monday. 

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Thanks for reading – @olaf1393