Edmonton Oilers At The World Championships

Today, the IIHF World Championships began in Russia. Team USA and Team Canada went go head-to-head this morning in a game that featured five members of the Edmonton Oilers. All-in-all, eight Edmonton Oilers are in Russia representing their country in the Worlds.

Captain America – Hendricks, Maroon and Team USA:

For the second consecutive year, veteran Matt Hendricks will captain Team USA at the Worlds. Last year, the team stunned everyone by winning their group and winning a bronze medal. This year, Team USA returns with a young roster featuring players like Auston Matthews, Frank Vatrano, Kyle Connor, and Noah Hanifin.

Hendricks will play a key leadership role and will likely anchor one of the bottom two lines on John Hynes’ team. Last year, Hendricks took on the role of leading the way with physical and grinding play and took on a mentoring role with the young players. He’s the leader of this team and arguably the most experienced member of the group.

Another Oiler, Patrick Maroon, joins Hendricks on the team. Maroon broke out in a big way when he arrived in Edmonton, posting solid offensive numbers and playing a physical game for the team. Maroon quickly became a fan favorite and will no doubt play a top-nine role next year.

Judging by the current roster, I would not be surprised if he saw a top-nine role for the American side in this tournament. He’s one of the few veterans on the team and he may even see top-six ice time, possibly with Matthews or Detroit Red Wings’ C Dylan Larkin.

Defending Gold – Talbot, Hall, McDavid and Team Canada:

Cam Talbot is likely to be the starter for Team Canada in this tournament. The Oilers’ netminder had a terrific season from December – April and earned himself a new three year deal. He’ll likely get the first crack over Calvin Pickard to defend Canada’s Gold from last year at this event.

Taylor Hall was terrific at the World Championships last year, and he’s looking for a repeat performance this time around. He’ll probably slide into the top-six for Team Canada and he’ll be relied on in offensive situations. Regardless of what many think of Hall, he excelled on this stage last year and many with Team Canada remember that. This is also likely a tryout for Hall to make the World Cup team in September.

Lastly, Connor McDavid represents Canada at the senior level after a terrific rookie season in Edmonton. If not for his broken collarbone, he would have run away with the Calder Trophy voting. McDavid is going to play a top-line role for this team and he may actually be the best player on the roster. No doubt that Team Canada will be relying on him in this tournament, expect him to play a HUGE role.

Don’t Turn Around, Der Kommissar’s In Town – Draisaitl and Team Germany:

Leon Draisaitl, who will compete for Team Europe at the World Cup, will join Team Germany in this tournament. Looking at the roster, it’s not crazy to suggest that he’s the best player on this team. While some guys, like Marcel Goc and Christian Ehrhoff, had strong NHL careers, they are older now and not the players they once were.

Draisaitl will likely center Germany’s top-line and will be the focal point of the team’s offense. This will be a great test for Leon, can he carry the load for a team against some of the best players in the world? Certainly a great experience for him that should prepare him for what awaits this September in Toronto and then in Edmonton come October.

The Top Dog – Andrej Sekera and Team Slovakia:

Andrej Sekera will head to the World Championships and is likely to be the number one defender for Team Slovakia. Zdeno Chara will not be at this tournament, at least according to the official roster, so Sekera will need to carry the load. That means lots of even strength minutes and lots of special teams time for the rearguard.

This will give Oiler fans a chance to see Sekera against some of the best in the world in a showcase role. That said, Slovakia is a weaker team so I wouldn’t read too much into it if he falters a bit here. Outside of Sekera, Martin Marincin is the team’s next best defender.

From Russia, With Love – Nail Yakupov and Team Russia:

Nail Yakupov struggled mightily this season and it was revealed that he had requested a trade out of Edmonton. This tournament will be a great chance for Yakupov to build his trade value and showcase himself to teams around the NHL. His role, however, is a mystery. Team Russia is stacked at forward and Nail may end up on the third or fourth line with this team.

I highly doubt we see him in the top-six in this tournament. Oiler fans should be prepared for Yakupov to play more of a depth role and should be hoping that he takes advantage of any chances that he gets in these next few weeks. A good showing on this stage may make teams think his value was skewed playing in Edmonton.

It may also make Peter Chiarelli think twice.