Umberger got screwed. It is simple as that. 19 forwards have been invited to Team USA tryouts David Backes (Blues), David Booth (Panthers), Dustin Brown (Kings), Dustin Byfuglien (Blackhawks), Ryan Callahan (Rangers), Chris Drury (Rangers), Scott Gomez (Rangers), Patrick Kane (Blackhawks), Ryan Kesler (Canucks), Phil Kessel (Bruins), Jamie Langenbrunner (Devils), Ryan Malone (Lightning), Kyle Okposo (Islanders), T.J. Oshie (Blues), Zach Parise (Devils), Joe Pavelski (Sharks), Bobby Ryan (Ducks), Paul Stastny (Avalanche).
I can put Umberger over 8 players on that list for either numbers or qualities. It is ridiculous. Backes, Booth, Byfuglien, Callahan, Kesler, Langenbrunner, Malone, Okposo, Pavelski. Although there could be some push back on some of those name, Umberger is at least an equal. Why not make it an even 20?
I’m calling out Brian Burke on this. If it were anyone else, (beside MacLean) I probably wouldn’t bother. Brian Burke is the GM of Team USA. Brian Burke has been known as a blunt, angry old man. These facts alone force me to look at this scenario.
Burke drafted Umberger. Umberger didn’t sign. Umberger is not on the invite list. Is this possible? I wouldn’t put it past Brian Burke. I can tell that some young pups are being invited, that is likely to get them some experience and exposure.
Umberger is a top level, grinding scoring winger with guts and heart. He has shown up huge in the playoffs the last two years. I’d expect nothing less in the Olympics. He is almost an identical player to Ryan Malone.
He should be the captain of the team before not making the roster. I’m outraged, are you?
FIRE AWAY! Give Burke an earful