2 Canucks confirmed for World Championships, 5 more in consideration

The season may be over for the Vancouver Canucks, but some of the players will be getting right back on the ice.

American-born defenceman Quinn Hughes and Swedish goaltender Jacob Markstrom have confirmed their attendance at this year’s 2019 World Championships.

Hughes, fresh off his first taste of NHL action, participated in last year’s tournament and confirmed his return late last week.

Markstrom’s appearance was also expected – he’s competed at the World Championships several times over the course of his career.

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Five other Canucks remain on the fence and have not yet decided if they’ll be playing when the tournament begins in May.

Elias Pettersson told reporters that he wanted to talk to his family and agent, before making a decision.

Loui Eriksson, Markus Granlund, and Chris Tanev also have yet to decide, according to Canucks writer Derek Jory.

Tanev will be the least likely of the bunch to attend. The 29-year-old will be in a walking boot for the next 10 days and says that although he was asked, “it seems unlikely based on [his] injury.”

Thatcher Demko, who played in nine NHL games this season, could also make an appearance.

Demko hasn’t been officially asked to play at Worlds, “but my agent said it’s an option.”

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 8, 2019

Several members of the team, have received invites but have chosen to decline.

Bo Horvat, who played for Team Canada last year, has a previous engagement – literally. He’ll be getting married to Holly Donaldson, his girlfriend of seven years.

Brock Boeser, has also declined the invitation. He’ll be using his time off to focus on training.

Last but not least, Head Coach Travis Green was asked by Alain Vigneault to join Team Canada’s coaching staff.

According to Sportsnet’s Rick Dhaliwal, he’ll be passing on the offer due to family commitments. Specifically, his son’s junior hockey tryouts that take place during the same time as the tournament.

Hearing Travis Green won’t be joining the Canadian coaching staff at the World’s due to family commitments. Travis’s son has junior hockey tryouts in May.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) April 8, 2019

The preliminary round of the 2019 World Championships begins on Monday, May 20 in Slovakia.