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NHL World Cup of Hockey: North America Set to Make Debut

By Aly Dhanani |
Feb 9, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates during the first period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates during the first period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

NHL World Cup of Hockey: North American Young Stars Ready to Make Debut

It’s that time of year! After months of anticipation, the NHL World Cup of Hockey starts September 17th, a mere two weeks away. The pre-tournament schedule kicks off in less than a week beginning on September 8th.

In the first of an eight-article series by Ryan Ritchie and myself, let’s start by breaking down the North American Young Stars, led by superstar Connor McDavid.

Offense

Jan 26, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Coyotes at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Coyotes at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

North America boasts one of, if not the fastest team in the tournament. Dylan Larkin and Connor McDavid are two of the fastest players in the NHL, and I haven’t even mentioned Nathan MacKinnon and Brandon Saad. The ‘kids’ also have a plethora of playmakers, including McDavid, Mark Scheifele, Jonathan Drouin, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Auston Matthews.

You would think a young roster like this would have some trouble scoring goals, but they have that too! Matthews, Jack Eichel, Sean Monahan, and Johnny Gaudreau all can put the puck in the net. This young, talented offense is also complimented by a very mobile d-corps.

Related Story: Trade Rumors: 5 Players Vancouver Should Target

Defense

There isn’t a better puck moving defense core in the entire tournament. Aaron Ekblad, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Morgan Rielly are all very mobile and will have no trouble getting the puck up to the forwards.

Those three are complimented by the well-rounded Seth Jones, Jacob Trouba, and Colton Parayko. Ryan Murray is projected as a 7th defender.

Goaltending

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This was a big concern for GM Peter Chiarelli when he was making the roster. It was a stretch asking a goaltender under the age of 23 to start in a best-on-best international tournament. However, candidates appeared at just the right time.

Connor Hellebuyck impressed in a 26 game stint with the Winnipeg Jets, John Gibson proved himself worthy of a starting role on the Ducks, and Matt Murray led the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup.

Murray tied an NHL record, winning 15 playoff games as a rookie. The 22-year-old, who holds the AHL record for the longest shutout streak, seems poised for the starting job. I have every confidence Murray will not disappoint. Gibson, who has played a total of 66 NHL games, is likely to take the backup role.

Next: Connor McDavid Will Be Dominant For Oilers This Season

Roster Breakdown

The North American Young Stars consist of 12 Canadians and 12 Americans. Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck was added as an alternate/extra player , per the Sun Sentinel. The average age of the team is 21.7 years old and the average amount of NHL games played is 154.

Is that enough experience to win the NHL World Cup of Hockey? In a two-week tournament, I’m giving them a vote of confidence.

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