Sean Monahan won't play for North America at the World Cup of Hockey, Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving announced Friday.
Monahan suffered a back strain during preseason training, but the team doesn't believe it's a long-term issue and he's expected to be a full participant in training camp, Treliving wrote in a statement.
Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck has been named to North America's World Cup roster in Monahan's absence.
Monahan, who signed a big contract extension with the Flames earlier in August, says he needs rest in order to ensure full health by the start of the NHL regular season.
"I don’t want to hop into a practice at full speed right now," he said. "I want to take some time and make sure I’m good and make sure I don’t have anything nagging me during the season. It’s more precautionary than anything. I’m going to see our team trainers and doctors in the next couple of days to get everything sorted out. ...
"I’m pretty bummed out I don’t get to experience (the tournament), but at the same time my commitment is to the Flames. That’s the bigger picture right now. I just want to be ready for the season at 100 percent."
Trocheck, who won a gold medal with USA at the 2013 World Junior Championships, recorded 25 goals and 28 assists in 76 games for the Panthers last season.
