Two Red Wings Will Play for USA at World Championships

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and goalie Alex Lyon were two of the 15 players named to USA’s preliminary roster for the World Championships.

Larkin will be joined up front  by Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk,  Columbus’ Johnny Gaudreau and Montreal’s Cole Caufield among others. The World Champions is expected to draw more name players this year because the NHL is planing an international tournament next season and will send players to the next Olympic Games.

Lyon is the only NHL goalie named thus far as USA Hockey waits to see which goalies will be available by first round playoff knockouts.

Moritz Seider (Germany) and Lucas Raymond (Sweden) are interested in playing, but their situation is complicated by their pending free agency. The would have to secure a high-priced insurance policy to cover them in case of a career-threatening injury.

Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman recently expressed support for players going to the World Championships.

“Sure. I played in them,” Yzerman said. “I’ve been a part of them in management. I think they’re great opportunities for guys, great experiences. To play international hockey is a lot of fun. To get a chance to win a gold medal is very exciting. So yeah, I would support it fully for any of our players if they want to go.”