Canucks could be well represented at the 2023 World Championship
As we know by now, the Vancouver Canucks are set to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but that doesn't mean that the season is over for some players on the roster.
The 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championship is set for next month and there's a very good chance that a handful of players on the Canucks roster could be participating in the tournament. Let's take a look at five names that may have the opportunity to represent their country.
- Elias Pettersson (Sweden)
Pettersson last represented Sweden at the 2019 World Championship, but one year prior, he helped them win their 11th gold medal in the country's history, defeating Switzerland in the final.
- J.T. Miller (United States)
After a season of trade rumors, Miller has performed quite well on the ice, putting up 75 points thus far and he'll look to continue his strong play on the international stage if he gets an invite from USA Hockey. He last played for the US at the 2013 World Juniors but represented Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
- Quinn Hughes (United States)
Hughes is having the best season of his young career so far and is over a point-per-game player, putting up 73 points in 71 games. Much like Pettersson, Hughes' last time playing on the international stage was at the 2019 World Championship, where he had ten points in eight games as the United States lost in the quarter-finals.
- Thatcher Demko (United States)
Demko's participation at the 2023 World Championship might be unlikely, due to the injuries he's suffered this season and that he'll want to rest, but nevertheless, USA Hockey would be more than happy to have him on their roster for the tournament. He served as the US' backup in 2019, appearing in games against Great Britain and France, winning both.
- Anthony Beauvillier (Canada)
Beauvillier made his debut with the Canadian men's national team in 2018 at the World Championship, putting up three points as they reached the bronze medal game, but lost to the United States. His speed would be an asset for Canada, who's been trying to build younger rosters for the World Championship in recent years.
While the 5 listed above are almost certain things, Brock Boeser could very well be a candidate to represent the United States since he's been lighting up ever since Tocchet took over.
The 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championship is set to be held in Tampere (Finland) and Riga (Latvia) from May 12th to 28th. Stay tuned to Canucks Daily for updates on the tournament, should any of those on the roster choose to represent their country!
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 1 | 204 ANSWERS Canucks could be well represented at the 2023 World Championship Which Canuck would you like to see play at the 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championship? | ||
| Elias Pettersson | 106 | 52 % |
| J.T. Miller | 17 | 8.3 % |
| Quinn Hughes | 55 | 27 % |
| See Results | 26 | 12.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
