World Championships – Group B Preview

1. UNITED STATES

Mar 18, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Nashville Predators defenseman

Sth Jones

(3) during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Edmonton Oilers won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

To somewhat of a lesser extent, USA is similar to Canada in the sense that it is deep with solid NHLers. They have a nice group of young players to develop for international hockey, especially on defence with the likes of Seth Jones, Jacob Trouba, and Jake Gardiner. Tim Thomas should also be one of the best goalies in the tournament in what should be his international swan song.

Player to Watch: Seth Jones, Nashville Predators
After slipping a bit in the past NHL Entry Draft, Jones had an extremely solid rookie campaign and projects to be a cornerstone of the Predators franchise for years to come. He should be playing a big role on this team in what is surely a bit of an audition for the next Winter Olympics.

Coach: Peter Laviolette

Forwards:
Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings
Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames
Jimmy Hayes, Florida Panthers
Kevin Haynes, Boston College
Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning
Colin McDonald, New York Islanders
Andy Miele, Phoenix Coyotes
Peter Mueller, Kloten Flyers
Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
Drew Shore, Florida Panthers
Craig Smith, Nashville Predators
Tim Stapleton, Ak Bars Kazan
Vincent Trocheck, Florida Panthers
Tommy Wingels, San Jose Sharks

Defence:
Danny DeKeyser, Detroit Red Wings
Matt Donovan, New York Islanders
Jake Gardiner, Toronto Maple Leafs
Seth Jones, Nashville Predators
Jake McCabe, Buffalo Sabres
Connor Murphy, Phoenix Coyotes
Jeff Petry, Edmonton Oilers
Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets

Goalies:
Connor Hellebuyck, UMass
David Leggio, Hershey Bears
Tim Thomas, Dallas Stars