NEWSLETTER
On Thursday morning, USA Hockey announced the first roster for the upcoming World Championships, which will take place in Finland beginning next week. Blackhawks fans will notice a few current members of the organization — and a couple familiar faces as well.
https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/1522244229673545729
Seth and Caleb Jones will head over together to represent the United States. Seth begins his blockbuster, long-term extension next season while Caleb is headed to restricted free agency. They’ll be on a blue line with Devils’ prospect and University of Michigan star Luke Hughes, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Sam Lafferty is on his way to Finland, as well. He recently inked a two-year extension with the Blackhawks after impressing in the opportunities he was given after being acquired from Pittsburgh. This will be great experience for him.
Fans will also enjoy watching Blackhawks legends John Hayden and Adam Gaudette enjoyed a cup of coffee with Chicago before moving on. Hayden was a third-round pick by the Hawks in 2013. Stan Bowman traded him to New Jersey for John Quenneville in 2019. Bowman traded Matthew Highmore to the Canucks to get Gaudette last April; he was claimed off waivers by the Senators in November.
What makes the “roster” for the World Championships unique is players can join once their season comes to an end. So players who are eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs could opt in and join the team in the middle of the tournament.
