Following Sergei Bobrovsky’s inclusion on the Russian team for this fall’s World Cup of Hockey, the North American team announced that three Columbus Blue Jackets would be on the roster: Seth Jones, Ryan Murray, and Brandon Saad.
The World Cup of Hockey takes place this year from September 17 to October 1, 2016 in Toronto. Today, the national organizations are releasing preliminary rosters of at least 16 skaters, with each full 23-man roster due to be finalized by June 1.
Team North America, newly formed for this tournament, will consist of the best young players from Canada and from the United States. The players selected for this roster must be 23 or younger as of October 1, 2016. The team will be coached by Todd McLellan, Head Coach of the Edmonton Oilers.
Seth Jones, the newest member of the Blue Jackets, will look to feature heavily for the North American team. He has posted 1-11-12 in 23 games since he joined the Blue Jackets, including scoring his first goal this past Saturday against the Florida Panthers.
Brandon Saad, left winger, has set a career high in goals for the club this year. He has posted 24-16-40 this season.
Ryan Murray, the former second overall pick, has posted 4-16-20 for the club this season.
The rest of Team North America is as follows:
G John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
G Connor Hellebuyck, Manitoba Moose – Winnipeg Jets hold NHL rights
G Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins
D Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers
D Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets
D Ryan Murray, Columbus Blue Jackets
D Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs
F Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers
F Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
F Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames
F Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
F Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
F Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
F J.T. Miller, New York Rangers
F Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames
F Brandon Saad, Columbus Blue Jackets