Columbus Blue Jackets Finish 2017 IIHF World Championships with Mixed Results
Sweden defeated Canada wrapping up the 2017 IIHF World Championships. Columbus Blue Jackets seven players at the tournament had mixed results from their time in France and Germany.
The 2017 IIHF World Championships concluded with one Columbus Blue Jackets player taking home the Gold. William Karlsson and Team Sweden defeated Team Canada in a shootout.
Karlsson was one of seven players in the CBJ organization that represented their country in the tournament hosted in Cologne, Germany and Paris, France. The CBJ players and prospects had varying levels of success and some may be wondering what’s next after some poor performances.
William Karlsson
Wild Bill did everything Team Sweden asked of him. He was a steady presence at Center for the third line. He tailed a +6 rating as well as three points in ten games.
In what was arguably the most talented team in the tournament, Karlsson played his role well. His solid 2016-2017 season capped by a World Championship should do wonders for his confidence. Vegas might take a second look at Karlsson in the expansion draft following this performance, especially if the Jackets can protect Anderson.
Vladislav Gavrikov
The Russian had the best World Championships of any player affiliated with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The defenseman led the Bronze medal winning Russians with a +9 in nine games played.
Related Story: Gavrikov to CBJ?
Unfortunately for Gavrikov, he was forced to leave the semifinal loss to Canada in the third period. The extent of the injury is not known but it was a great tournament for the 21-year-old Russian. The CBJ hope to lure him to the NHL but all signs are pointing towards Gavrikov returning to the KHL.
Joonas Korpisalo
Well, not a great tournament for Korpi by any stretch. The Finn was rocked all tournament and had a .858 save percentage and a 3.82 GAA in six games.
I have been concerned about losing Korpisalo to the Golden Knights in the expansion draft all season but after watching his performance, I’m less worried. It’s only one tournament but Korpi didn’t finish the season particularly strong either. The Jackets goalie concerns continue.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Markus Hannikainen
One of my favorite I-71 players had a solid tournament for the fourth place Finns. Markus scored twice and added an apple in ten games.
The young winger has a real chance to make the team this year with the anticipated departure of Sam Gagner and another forward in the expansion draft. I see much more promise in Hannikainen than Milano for one of these spots on the squad.
Oleg Yevenko
Defensman. Played for Belarus. I’m sure he enjoyed Paris. Restricted free agent and won’t play for the Jackets, ever. Thats all I got and all you want to read about Oleg. (He was also -9 in seven games.)
Elvis Merzlikins
The award for most surprising performance goes to Elvis. The 2014 3rd round pick for the Columbus Blue Jackets carried Team Latvia. Boasting a 1.97 GAA and a .937 save percentage, Elvis turned heads.
The 23-year-old almost willed the Latvians into the knock out rounds. They lost in an unfortunate manner following a blown call giving the Germans a power play and forcing OT where they would win. I haven’t been able to see Elvis play before this tournament and I was very impressed. Would love to see him in the AHL next season.
Also I will never make an Elvis pun. Ever.
Dean Kukan
The Swiss defenseman had a sub-par tournament. In eight games he had only an assist and was only +1. The Swiss team did make a nice run to the knockout round but was pretty average all tournament.
Kukan is a restricted free agent this summer.
This was the last chance to watch any Columbus Blue Jackets players for a few months. All players have something to work on. Some, much more than others.