Team Canada at IIHF Worlds Will be a Team to Follow for Columbus Blue Jackets' Fans

Even with some big-name Columbus Blue Jackets expected to sit out for the IIHF Men's Championships in 2025 due to injury, like Elvis Merzlikins, or upcoming wedding plans, like Zach Werenski, several other players and coaches will take part. Team Canada will have four notable names on their team from the Columbus Blue Jackets, two coaches, and two impressive young players who grew a lot this season. The coach will be Dean Evanson, and he will take the same role he holds here in Columbus, Head Coach. Steve McCarthy will also make the journey with him and take on the same role he holds here in Columbus: Assistant Coach. 

As far as players go, Center Adam Fantilli was selected after his second season in the NHL and first 82-game season. In that time he had 31 goals and 23 assists for 52 points. He also concluded the season with a +4 on the ice. Among other highlights were two hattricks and the way he stepped up in the role as a top-line center when the team lost Sean Monahan to a nasty wrist injury at the start of 2025.   

The second Columbus Blue Jacket joining Team Canada for the IIHF Worlds is Center Kent Johnson. He played in 68 games this season, his fourth in the league. Over those games, he achieved 23 goals and 33 assists for a point total of 57. He finished with a +2 on the ice.   

It's so great having a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and NHL Players who are held in such high regard. I wish them all the best of luck and can't wait to report on how they perform. The competition will begin in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark on May 9th.   



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