2010 Injury Replacements



With a week to go before the Olympic tournament Team Canada may be faced with the prospect of replacing Ryan Getzlaf and his banged up ankle. A few days ago the U.S. replaced Mike Komisarek and Paul Martin with Ryan Whitney and Tim Gleason. Patrik Elias and Dan Boyle returned from 10 and 6 game layoffs this weekend, just in time to get a few games in before Vancouver. Lets check out who, among possible Olympic replacements has been the hottest since the new year.


Canada
Steven Stamkos
In 17 games he has 11 goals, 13 assists for 24 points. Stamkos, in my mind should be the one called if Getzlaf is unable to go.
Mike Green
Having just served a three game suspension, Green has played 14 games scoring 4 goals and 11 assists since New Year's. He is an ideal replacement for one of Canada's offensively geared defenders such as Boyle or Doughty.

Jeff Carter
With 8 goals and 7 assists in 17 games, Carter may not be the hottest, but he was the last cut from the original roster selected back in December.
Vincent Lecavalier

Vinny has been slowly heating up after a slow start with 6 goals and 18 points in 17 games since December. His size and international experience could make him the choice to round out the roster.

Alex Burrows

One of the hottest scorers since Jan. 1 with 15 goals and 22 points in 16 games. Aside from even the more than goal/game goal scoring, the main reason I might consider Burrows is his 4 shorthanded goals in the New Year. His tenacity on the penalty kill would be a welcomed asset for Team Canada.

Shane Doan & Ryan Smyth

Doan has 7 goals and 19 points while Smyth has 8 goals and 13 points, each in 18 games. Like Lecavalier, each would bring international experience, but they also bring the grit and leadership that may be wanted by Team Canada.


Russia

Alex Kovalev

Kovalev has a point per game since being snubbed by Russia. The question is , does the Russian brass even want the much maligned player on their squad?

Alexander Frolov

Frolov seems to be justifying his exclusion from Team Russia with a mere 2 goals and 9 points in 17 games in the New Year.

Nikolai Kulemin

Kulemin has rounded into form as a solid contributor and adept penalty killer, something the Russians may need. His 5 goals and 9 points in 18 games isn't too bad either.


United States

Tim Connolly

One of the hottest yanks since the New Year with 23 points in 18 games, he may be a nice replacement on one of the top two lines.

Keith Yandle

He may be the first defenseman to fill in with 4 goals and 11 points in 17 games.

RJ Umberger

6 goals and 12 points.

Matt Cullen

15 points in 18 games.

Brian Gionta

7 goals, 12 points and 17 games.All three may very well still play a roll in Vancouver.


Sweden

Johan Franzen

Is playing his first game in four months tonite, and will get three games in before the Games begin. Does Sweden take Franzen over others if needed? I say yes.

Mikael Samuelsson

After being scorned and lashing out at the national team, Samuelsson's 7 goals and 11 points in 16 games may not be enough to garner a selection.

Kristian Huselius

Huselius has been quite productive with 5 goals and 18 points in 17 games and may be given some consideration if the need arises.

Anton Stralman

Stralman has had a nice breakthrough year and has 11 points in 16 games since Jan. 1.


Czech Republic

Vinny Prospal & Radim Vrbata

With 11 points each since the New Year (Vrbata with 6 goals) these two are the best of the slim pickings remaining in the NHL. The Czechs may be more likely to dip into the European Leagues for a replacement if needed.


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