Updated: Mar 22
After star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo dropped out of Canada’s four nations faceoff roster on Sunday, Canada’s search for his replacement continues, as former Stanley Cup winner Drew Doughty looks to be the best option.
The rosters for the four nations faceoff tournament between Sweden, Finland, Canada, and The United States were announced on the 4th of December with a number of big names missing from all rosters due to injury, and just snubs in general. But following some injury concerns, Vegas Golden Knights star defenceman Alex Pietrangelo has withdrawn from the roster, leaving a big hole in Canada’s defensive chart, and a much needed veteran spot on the team. People have been deliberating over the last couple of days who would be the best option for Canada in their quest to replace the 35 year defenseman, and names such as Drew Doughty and Kris Letang have floated around discussions, but Doughty seems to be the perfect option, and here’s why.
With team Canada finding themselves without a full roster just weeks before the tournament is set to start, it's a massive decision for them to find the right replacement, and will be a great opportunity for those wanting a call up to earn one before the tournament. One player who is eager to play for Canada this February is Los Angeles Kings veteran defenseman Drew Doughty. Doughty, who has not played an NHL game since September 25th when he broke his ankle in a preseason game has represented his country eight times across senior and junior hockey, and understands the system better than anybody when it comes to international play. With Doughty only just returning to practice this week it would be a massive risk for Canada to give him a roster spot, but with his credentials and tough style of play it could pay off. Doughty who could play his first game of the season in the next two to three games could see himself give his all in order to earn his roster spot, and wow the coaches with physical and competitive play leading up to the February 11th deadline. Not only would Doughty bring his competitive nature to the team, but his physicality and aggressive personality, much needed in a tournament like this. With big rivalries with himself and Matthew Tkachuk, Doughty could play a massive factor in winning the physical battles to Canada’s feud versus the US, and could bring some passion and electricity to the ice to compliment the team in other types of ways.
Doughty previously stated ‘I’m still hoping i have the outside chance to play at the four nations’ outlining his determination to be on the roster even after missing out initially, and has devoted his recovery to hopefully earning himself a spot. Doughty who is a Stanley Cup winner will also slot into the missing spot on the roster perfectly, with similar credentials and credibility as Pietrangelo, he is the perfect fit for the spot. Canada will also have to take into consideration that he knows what it's like to play for Canada, and the culture that comes with playing, something players like Bowen Byram who some have tipped to be picked, wont know to its full extent. So with Doughty’s recovery coming at a perfect time, and Canada looking for an experienced veteran to fill Pietrangelo’s spot, Drew Doughty is the perfect player for Canada, and is everything they need come February.
Comments