Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli doesn't think his relationship with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be affected by Team North America's decision to leave the young center off the initial World Cup of Hockey roster.
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Speaking Thursday on Oilers Now on 630 CHED, Chiarelli - who's overseeing the young stars team - cited several talented players across the league that weren't named to the 16-player rosters, maintaining it's not a delicate situation to have left the 22-year-old off to the side for the time being.
"It doesn't mean the players aren't good, it doesn't mean it's a slight. These are hard decisions," Chiarelli said. "With Ryan, we had a real constructive conversation, and really the impetus wasn't to tell him that he wasn't on the first selection. It was more just to talk about his game and where I'd like it to be.
"I have to wear two different hats," he continued. "At the end of the day, I'm a real big fan of Ryan's. He's got a real good two-way component to his game, he plays against the top centers and he has for a long time for a player of such a young age."
Chiarelli cited being part of Team Canada's brain trust that voted not to name Martin St. Louis to the 2014 Olympic roster. While Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman took the heat, and it ultimately led to a trade at the NHL level, Chiarelli said it was wholly a group decision both then and now.
Part of the issue is the fact Nugent-Hopkins is currently out with a hand injury and a strong push to end the season upon his return would go far towards securing a place on the team.
Chiarelli's final message to Nugent-Hopkins?
"Get back playing and you'll find yourself on this roster," he said.
