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When Nick Suzuki emptied his locked at the Complexe Sportif Bell last month, he made it clear that he had no interest in playing for Canada at the upcoming World Championships because he needed time to heal some bump and bruises. Suzuki was probably not the only one in his situation and has puck drop nears, countries are starting to release their rosters and we found out yesterday that the Canadiens will be sending 5 players over to wear the maple leaf and the stars and stripes.
We already knew that Samuel Montembeault had gotten the call to man Canada’s net, and we now know that he’ll be joined by the Sabres’ Devon Levi. On the blue line, there will be a couple of familiar faces for Montembeault as teammate Justin Barron has also decided to answer the call just like former teammate MacKenzie Weegar. Up front, Tyler Toffoli who briefly played with Montembeault in Montreal will be counted on to provide some offense. Canada’s line-up includes a few veterans but a lot of youth as well. It will be particularly interesting to keep an eye on Adam Fantilli, especially should the Canadiens come 2nd in the draft lottery on May 8th.
As for the USA, they’ve invited 3 Habs prospects to take part in the tourney; Sean Farrell, Luke Tuch and Lane Hutson. Tuch will get the chance to line-up with his brother Alex who’s now a member of the Buffalo Sabres and hasn’t made the playoffs either. Personally, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Lane Hutson, just to see how he can handle himself at the next level, playing against NHL players. It’s a shame that Caufield’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury which required surgery as he probably would have been called upon by team USA.
Meanwhile, Habs fans are watching the NHL playoffs on the side lines and while they debate interiorly to know what they want most, a 17th pick overall or a Maple Leafs defeat, the Florida Panthers have taken a 2-0 lead over Toronto. If the Leafs cannot find a way to battle back, the Canadiens’ 2nd 1st round-pick will fall to 29th at least. Say what you will but whether you use or trade the pick, it has more value as a 17th overall than as a 29th… For that reason, only, I truly hope Toronto can find a way to flip that series on its head.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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