Team Canada released their official World Junior Championships roster Wednesday evening, and in a bit of a surprise, it did not include Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey. Many took to Twitter (or X) to express their surprise at the 18-year-old’s exclusion following the announcement.
On the flip side, though, London Knights teammate and Flyers defense prospect, Oliver Bonk, did make Team Canada’s World Junior roster. To secure his spot, Bonk beat out St. Louis Blues prospect Michael Buchinger. Further to that point, fellow Knight and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Easton Cowan, also made the cut for Team Canada.
The door is open for Barkey’s return
It’s still possible that the Philadelphia Flyers will get to see Denver Barkey in action at the World Juniors. As it stands, Team Canada’s roster has 22 players, and they can hold up to 23. The rumor out there is that Team Canada is holding out for the possibility that a World Juniors-eligible NHLer is loaned to them for the competition. In that regard, some possibilities include Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Zach Benson, Matt Poitras, and Shane Wright.
Of the four, Wright has the greatest chance of being allowed to go by his NHL club, which means there’s a pretty good chance the Flyers can see Barkey return to Team Canada.
Some of Team Canada’s other notable cuts include forwards Jagger Firkus and Markus Vidicek, and goaltender Dominic DiVincentiis.
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