Hockey News

Lundqvist, Karlsson will lead Sweden at World Cup

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Sweden is in a position to avenge its disappointing loss to Canada in the gold medal game at the Sochi Olympics, naming an impressive preliminary roster Wednesday for the World Cup of Hockey.

The Swedish Ice Hockey Association named its first 16 players, consisting of eight forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies.

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist will lead Sweden behind a formidable blue line headlined by Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson. Up front, youngsters Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators and Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche will complement a solid veteran core.

Here's the initial 16-man roster:

Forwards

F Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
F Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins
F Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
F Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche
F Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
F Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
F Alexander Steen, St. Louis Blues
F Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

Defensemen

D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes
D Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
D Niklas Hjalmarsson, Chicago Blackhawks
D Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators
D Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings
D Anton Stralman, Tampa Bay Lightning

Goaltenders

G Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
G Jacob Markstrom, Vancouver Canucks

Related: World Cup of Hockey roster announcements schedule

Notable omissions include Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg and Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner.

The tournament begins on Sept. 17, and final 23-man rosters must be announced no later than June 1.

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Hockey News

Senators sign veteran Scott Gomez to 1-year deal

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Scott Gomez's stellar play in the American Hockey League has earned him a NHL contract.

The Ottawa Senators have signed the 36-year-old to a one-year contract that will keep him with the team for the rest of the season.

Gomez began the season with the St. Louis Blues, but was released by the club after managing just one goal and eight points in 21 games.

He was subsequently signed to a professional tryout contract by the Washington Capitals' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. There, he lit it up, posting four goals and 24 points in 18 games.

Gomez should provide the team with some short-term relief after the Senators announced Monday that forward Kyle Turris would be shut down indefinitely as he deals with a high ankle sprain.

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Hockey News

Panthers sign WHL standout Dryden Hunt

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The Florida Panthers have added another talented prospect to their arsenal.

The team signed Moose Jaw Warriors forward Dryden Hunt to an entry-level contract Wednesday, general manager Dale Tallon announced.

The 20-year-old leads the Western Hockey League with 50 goals through 63 games, 11 more than Boston Bruins draft pick Jesse Gabrielle, who sits second.

Hunt was named the WHL's Player of the Month for January and followed that up with five hat tricks in February. His 102 points also slot him just two back of top spot in the league.

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Hockey News

Czechs name Jagr-less World Cup roster

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The NHL's fourth all-time leading scorer, Jaromir Jagr, was an obvious omission from the Czech Republic's roster for the World Cup of Hockey, named Wednesday.

The Florida Panthers forward was expected to be left off, but he may still be included when the remaining roster spots are announced no later than June 1 - as could his new Panthers teammate Jiri Hudler.

Jagr has already retired from the Czech national team, notes Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, and has been "coy" regarding his involvement in the World Cup.

Forwards

F Michael Frolik, Calgary Flames
F Martin Hanzal, Arizona Coyotes
F Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks
F David Krejci, Boston Bruins
F Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay Lightning
F David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
F Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens
F Vladimir Sobotka, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
F Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers

Defensemen

D Radko Gudas, Philadelphia Flyers
D Michal Kempny, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
D Roman Polak, San Jose Sharks
D Andrej Sustr, Tampa Bay Lightning

Goaltenders

G Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings
G Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia Flyers
G Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets

Related: World Cup of Hockey roster announcements schedule

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Hockey News

Kessel: Phaneuf was treated unfairly by Toronto fans, media

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Even though they no longer wear the same jersey, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Phil Kessel will always have Dion Phaneuf's back.

Kessel, who played alongside Phaneuf for six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, said his former teammate was often mistreated throughout his tenure as captain of the team.

"Obviously, Dion is a great player and a good friend of mine," Kessel said Tuesday. "I think he's misunderstood in Toronto. I think a lot of times he wasn't treated fairly through the media and through the fans."

The 28-year-old sniper adds that the duo have kept in touch, and that Phaneuf is embracing his new role with the Ottawa Senators.

"I've talked to (Phaneuf) a little bit," Kessel said. "He's a professional. I think he knows now you can always get traded in this league."

Phaneuf has certainly found his game since being traded. The 30-year-old has recorded one goal and six assists in 10 games with his new club.

The two former teammates will face off against each other for the first time since the trade on April 5 in Ottawa.

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NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2016

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Just because the NHL trade deadline has passed doesn’t mean the trade and free-agent speculation has ended. Check out the latest in your NHL Rumor Mill. PROJECTED OFFSEASON MOVES. ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun turned his sights on potential offseason moves by several NHL clubs. For the right offer (preferably a top defenseman), the Edmonton Oilers might […]
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NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 2, 2016

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Latest on Connor McDavid and Jaromir Jagr, Russia & Finland announce World Cup of Hockey rosters and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines.  NHL HIGHLIGHTS. EDMONTON SUN: Connor McDavid scored twice to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 2-1 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres. It was the first NHL game between McDavid (the […]

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