Team USA was the last of all teams to announce their roster. I certainly wasn’t expecting any Red Wings players to make the cut, but I was wrong. Justin Abdelkader has been named to the preliminary roster. I guess Team USA really wants that sandpaper! Here’s the rest of the roster per USA Hockey’s press release:
Goaltenders
Defense
Forwards
Justin Abdelkader
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I’d say that I am pretty surprised Abdelkader made the prelims over a guy like Phil Kessel. When you think about the coach, who is John Tortorella mind you, it starts to make more sense. Torts is a guy that likes the Justin Abdelkader type guys. I think it’s great that Abby made it, but also find it a bit humorous. Team USA isn’t likely to be a top contender in the tournament, but you never know. There are still more players to be announced.
That concludes the roster announcements for now. The Red Wings end the day with players on every roster but Team Canada and Team Finland. A total of eight players, which is third-most in the NHL behind Chicago and Tampa Bay.
