With the World Juniors rapidly approaching, Team USA needed to make a final round of cuts to prepare its 25-man roster. With Ryan Leonard, Jack Devine, Shai Buium and Tyler Muszelik sent home, the 25-man roster has been settled. Team USA will begin its tournament taking on Latvia on Dec. 26. The players are as follows:
Goaltenders (3)
- Trey Augustine – 2023 draft eligible
- Kaidan Mbereko – 2023 draft eligible
- Andrew Oke – 2023 draft eligible
Defensemen (8)
- Sean Behrens – (COL)
- Seamus Casey – (NJD)
- Ryan Chesley – (WSH)
- Luke Hughes – (NJD)
- Lane Hutson – (MTL)
- Luke Mittelstadt – 2023 draft eligible
- Jack Peart – (MIN)
- Ryan Ufko – (NSH)
Forwards (14)
- Jackson Blake – (CAR)
- Gavin Brindley – 2023 draft eligible
- Tyler Boucher – (OTT)
- Kenny Connors – (LAK)
- Logan Cooley – (ARZ)
- Dylan Duke – (TBL)
- Cutter Gauthier – (PHI)
- Noah Laba – (NYR)
- Sam Lipkin – (ARZ)
- Chaz Lucius – (WPG)
- Rutger McGroarty – (WPG)
- Red Savage – (DET)
- Jimmy Snuggerud – (STL)
- Charlie Stramel – 2023 draft eligible
This team is likely to be highlighted by a first line comprised entirely of highly drafted NHL prospects. The trio of top 2022 picks — Gauthier, Cooley and Snuggerud — could be a treat to watch, and the Americans’ depth at forward combined with their talented blueliners — such as Hughes, Hutson and Chesley — should make this team a strong contender for a medal. While the situation in the crease is a bit less stable, the WJC will provide twice-undrafted goalie Mbereko a major stage to showcase why he should be picked next year.
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