Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand World Cup Snub

With the the initial rosters for the World Cup of Hockey released on March 2nd, the Boston Bruins found themselves well represented across most teams. Loui Eriksson was selected for Sweden, David Krejci and David Pastrnak were both selected to play for the Czech Republic, Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg were both selected to the European team, and Patrice Bergeron was selected by team Canada. Patrice Bergeron has made both of team Canada’s Olympic teams in 2010 and 2014, and he has won the gold medal in both of those tournaments. His name being on the roster is really not surprising. What did come as a surprise, however, was the fact that Brad Marchand was omitted from the initial 16 players selected for Team Canada’s roster.

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With the season Brad Marchand is having, it’s very surprising that the Bruins top line left winger was left off of team Canada’s initial list. Prior to the NHL trade deadline, TSN posted their projected lineup for team Canada at the World Cup. What’s interesting is the fact that Brad Marchand was projected to play on Canada’s top line alongside Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.

TSN’s projected lineup for Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey was as follows:

Brad Marchand – Sidney Crosby – Steven Stamkos

Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Claude Giroux

Patrice Bergeron – Jonathan Toews – Jeff Carter

Taylor Hall – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry

John Tavares

Given the fact that Brad Marchand is currently tied for third in the NHL in goals scored alongside Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin and behind only Patrick Kane and Alexander Ovechkin, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Brad Marchand was projected so high. Seeing Brad Marchand being recognized alongside players such as Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Toews, among others, was very encouraging for the Boston Bruins future as they continue to re-tool their roster for the future. Unfortunately, Hockey Canada didn’t see Brad Marchand as a priority when naming their initial rosters, as made evident by their selections.

Goaltenders:

Corey Crawford, Braden Holtby, Carey Price

Defense:

Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Shea Weber

Forwards:

Jamie Benn, Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Carter, Sidney Crosby, Ryan Getzlaf, Tyler Seguin, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Jonathan Toews

Notable omissions:

Forwards: Claude Giroux, Brad Marchand, Ryan O’Reilly, Taylor Hall, Matt Duchene, Joe Thornton, Corey Perry

Defense: Brent Burns, Alex Pietrangelo, PK Subban, Brent Seabrook,

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While nothing is set in stone right now, and this projection was simply a projection, the early indication of Brad Marchand being on Team Canada’s radar is a step up from where Marchand started at in his career. Going from a fourth line energy player on the Bruins’ merlot line, to being a top-flight goal scorer and NHL left winger who is garnering consideration from Team Canada is a very impressive career trajectory for any player, and Brad Marchand should only get better as he continues to develop into a leadership role on the Boston Bruins.

Next: Loui Eriksson is Still A Boston Bruin

Brad Marchand is on pace to score 42 goals and 63 points in 77 games this season with his former career high goal total being 28. The Boston Bruins will undoubtedly be focusing mostly on locking up Brad Marchand long-term after next season which bodes well for the Bruins who have a bevy of young prospects who will be ready to play in the NHL sooner rather than later. Brad Marchand is currently in his prime, turning 28 in May, meaning the Boston Bruins have options moving forward with Marchand heading the list as a potential star.

Follow Brandon Share-Cohen on Twitter @BShareCohen to discuss all things Bruins and sports