Panthers' Bjugstad, Demers, Matheson to play at worlds; Trocheck won't
Three members of the Florida Panthers will be heading to the 2017 IIHF World Hockey Championships in France and Germany, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.
Towering center Nick Bjugstad will represent Team USA. The 6-foot-6 24-year-old had an injury-riddled season with just seven goals and seven assists in 54 games, but was coming off three consecutive 15-goal seasons prior to 2016-17. Bjugstad was a member of USA's bronze medal-winning team at the 2013 World Championships.
Defensemen Jason Demers and Michael Matheson will head overseas to represent Team Canada. Demers, 28, will provide a stable veteran force on the back end. Matheson, 23, excelled in his first full NHL season, averaging over 21 minutes.
Center Vincent Trocheck will not represent Team USA. He has been "fighting through some issues," according to Richards.
The World Championships begin May 5.