As training camps come to a close ahead of the IIHF World Juniors Tournament, national teams are beginning to select their final rosters - with that, comes cuts from the team. Team Canada has begun making their cuts, and yesterday, the team made a controversial decision with one prospect.
Among the cuts from the foster yesterday was Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus, to the surprise of many around the hockey world. Drafted in the second round by the Kraken in 2022, Firkus currently has 27 goals and 53 points in 29 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors this season.
However, by all reports available from training camp, Firkus never played to his capabilities. Whether Firkus had a bad few weeks, was nervous about the opportunity, or whatever other reason - his pedigree wasn't enough to earn himself a roster spot.
With this decision, Team Canada has cut from their own roster a high-end offensive talent who could be critical in winning tournament games. Hopefully, without Firkus, Team Canada can still match the growing strength of the other top contenders in the USA and Sweden.
