The German Ice Hockey Federation is confirming that Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider won’t be representing his country at the upcoming IIHF World Championship.
“We have been in close contact with the Detroit Red Wings and Moritz since the end of the NHL main round,” Christian Kunast, German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) sports director, told deb-online.de. “He emphasized that he would like to play for the national team again this year.
“At the same time, his special contractual situation, which affects his sporting future, is known.”
A restricted free agent, Seider will be out of contract come July 1. If he were to be suffering a serious injury at the worlds, it could jeopardize his hockey future.
“I think you gotta be smart and have some responsibility, not risk anything,” Seider said. “The last thing you want to do is go out of that injured when you don’t have a contract for next year.”
Red Wings Raymond Will Be Playing
Facing a similar RFA scenario, Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond is going to be playing for Sweden. The Swedish Federation was able to obtain insurance to protect Raymond against injury. The German Federation simply doesn’t have that kind of cash.
“We tried together to consider and clarify all insurance eventualities,” Kunast said. “Ultimately, however, we had to realize that this is not entirely possible.
“We have therefore agreed together that he will not take part in the upcoming World Cup. We are sure that Moritz will be there again in the future.”
Seider, 23, has suited up for Germany at the U16, U18, U20 and senior international level. He’s worn his country’s sweater in 154 games over his playing career.
Last year, he was helping the Germans will a silver medal at the world championship. It was the fourth time he’s played for the German team at the worlds.
Along with Raymond, defensemen Olli Maatta (Finland) and Jeff Petry (USA), goalie Alex Lyon (USA), will be playing in the worlds. Captain Dylan Larkin dropped out due to injury. Coach Derek Lalonde, goalie coach Alex Westlund and goaltending prospect Trey Augustine will also be part of the USA squad.
The IIHF World Championship gets underway May 10 in Czechia.
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