Ottawa Senators defenseman Christian Jaros invited to play for Slovakia
By James Reeve
The Ottawa Senators could have yet another representative at the upcoming World Championships with defenceman Christian Jaros being selected by Slovakia.
A few days after it was announced that Colin White would play for Team USA, Ottawa Senators defenceman Christian Jaros was invited to join Team Slovakia – with the tournament taking place in Košice.
The biggest concern, however, is that Jaros reportedly has an injury that could prevent him from taking to the ice – though TSN 1200 reports that he wants to play due to the tournament being in his home country.
The 23-year-old right-handed defenceman could be headed to the World Championships on the back of his first full season in the NHL, having made two appearances for the Senators the year before.
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In 61 regular season games in the Canadian capital, Jaros scored one goal and had a further nine assists.
Predominantly playing a bottom pairing role, Jaros averaged 14:22 on the ice and had a Corsi rating of just 43.3% – to be expected based on the team’s overall performances in the regular season.
What is quite indicative of the team’s belief in the young Slovakian is the fact that he started in his own zone 55.9% of the time – with many first year defencemen receiving far more sheltered minutes than Jaros.
A fifth-round (139th overall) selection by the Senators in the 2015 draft, Jaros delivered when called upon by the NHL club last season, blocking an impressive 82 shots and using his 6-foot-4, 201lbs frame well with 110 hits – almost two hits per game.
Jaros’ development has been a positive sign for fans of the Senators, with the Slovakian blueliner likely to have a bigger role as the team’s rebuild progresses.
Depending on contract talks with Cody Ceci, Jaros could be expected to take on a regular Top Four role along the blueline next season and could continue to see his minutes increase.
With the Ottawa Senators potentially having one of the youngest teams in the league next season, Jaros will have plenty of opportunities to continue his development and become a regular feature alongside the likes of Thomas Chabot, Dylan DeMelo and Mark Borowiecki.
His call-up into the national team represents the second time that Jaros will feature in the World Championships, having played for his country in the 2018 version of the tournament – narrowly missing out on reaching the Quarterfinals.
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What do you think of this news Sens fans? Pleased to see Jaros get the call from his country? How do you think he will do in the tournament if he overcomes his injury? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!