The Columbus Blue Jackets aren't competing for the Stanley Cup, but 11 players within the organization will be playing for hardware as the 2021 IIHF World Championship is set to begin on Friday, May 21st.
With many players opting out of competing due to a condensed NHL season, coupled with the stresses that come with playing during COVID-19, many countries had no choice but to go deep into their coffers to field competitive teams.
Several players that one would expect to have been extended invitations, including Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, Elvis Merzlikins, Patrik Laine, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Cam Atkinson, etc. will not be in attendance.
| PLAYER | POSITION | COUNTRY |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Robinson | Forward | USA |
| Adam Clendening | Defense | USA |
| Liam Foudy | Forward | Canada |
| Justin Danforth | Forward | Canada |
| Vladislav Gavrikov | Defense | Russia |
| Mikhail Grigorenko | Forward | Russia |
| Dmitri Voronkov | Forward | Russia |
| Kirill Marchenko | Forward | Russia |
| Matiss Kivlenieks | Goalie | Latvia |
| Ole Julian Bjørgvik Holm | Defense | Norway |
| Samuel Knazko | Defense | Slovakia |
Matiss Kivlenieks, the organization's no. 3 netminder, will be representing the host Latvia, giving him the net usually occupied by Merzlikins.
The tournament, which will be held entirely in Latvia, ends on June 6.
H/T to Reddit user u/Canadian_Primus
