Team USA GM Guerin Monitoring Player Health, Olympic Roster Taking Shape
New York Rangers General Manager and Team USA General Manager Chris Guerin is closely tracking the progress of key players as the deadline for finalizing the Olympic roster approaches. Guerin stated he is in regular contact with other NHL GMs, including Kevin Cheveldayoff of the Winnipeg jets, to stay informed on player status.
“There’s a month left for us to finalize rosters so I’m confident we’re pretty much on top of everything, including how some of the injured guys are progressing,” Guerin told NHL.com on Sunday.
Among those being monitored is Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, who was one of the first six players selected for Team USA in June. Tkachuk recently returned to the Senators lineup after missing 20 games and 46 days with a thumb injury requiring surgery, promptly contributing an assist and leading Ottawa with eight shots and three hits in a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday.
“That doesn’t surprise me,” Guerin said.”He’s a Tkachuk. That’s the type of fire they bring. He came out ready to play. I expect nothing less.”
Guerin also noted he was encouraged by the motivation of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, who was not selected for the 4 Nations team last year and has expressed a desire to make the Olympic roster. Robertson has recorded 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in his last 15 games.
“We have a few players like that,” Guerin said.”It’s the type of competition you want to see.”
However, injuries are also a concern. New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, a member of Team USA at the 4 Nations tournament, was placed on long-term injured reserve Sunday after sustaining an upper-body injury during a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. A player on LTIR must miss at least 10 games and 24 days,possibly sidelining Fox until the end of December – coinciding with final Olympic roster decisions.
Guerin indicated Team USA will likely have a preliminary roster narrowed down before the final deadline, emphasizing the importance of evaluating injured players’ recovery. He also confirmed Team USA officials are planning meetings to discuss the roster,but declined to disclose details.
“Yeah,but I can’t say when or where,” he said. “Otherwise I would have to, well, you know what. We’ll be ready. Count on that.”
