Can Alex DeBrincat Secure His Spot on Team USA?

The American roster is likely going to be one of the best in years, especially at the forward position. Alex DeBrincat is an undersized wing, and heading into a playoff-like atmosphere, the stereotype against small forwards might be the bane of his case. However, not only is DeBrincat gritty enough to make the team, but he is also statistically one of the best American forwards in the NHL this season.

DeBrincat Ranks Among American Skaters:

Goals: 16 (T5th)

Assists: 18 (T11th)

Points: 34 (T5th)

DeBrincat continues to be one of the best American forwards in all statistical categories. Even with a 12 game goal drought to begin the season, he is one of the hottest and most gifted goal scorers that the Americans can bring to this tournament.

Who He Must Beat Out:

In order to make it onto the team, DeBrincat must beat out at least one of the following forwards that Daily Faceoff projects to be on the roster.

• Cole Caufield
• Matthew Knies
• Jake Guentzel
• Matt Boldy
• Alex Tuch
• Clayton Keller

While also outperforming some of the big names they left off including;

• Jason Robertson
• Cutter Gauthier
• J.T. Miller
• Logan Cooley

It won’t be easy, but I think DeBrincat has as good a chance as any of making the team. Anyone who watches his game is well aware of his effort in the play at all times. He also strives in hard deployment, while some of the other forwards on this list (Keller, Guentzel, and Caufield) have really cushioned deployments. If you want to beat the elite, you need to bring the elite who actually do it against the elite players of the NHL.

With only a few more weeks before the December 31st cutdown, DeBrincat has one final stand to make his case felt. However, if he hasn’t impressed already, it’s likely the American scouts are simply too blinded by size to realize the talent they will be leaving at home from Milan.

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