USports All-Stars defeated Canada's World Junior hopefuls 6-1 on Wednesday at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ont. Hockey Canada released eight players following the game.
The final cuts have been made, but Team Canada's roster for the 2024 World Juniors isn't finalized. They are keeping one forward spot open in case there's a last-second loan from an NHL team.
"There's still some opportunities and still some discussions that are ongoing," said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada's senior vice-president, high performance and hockey operations.
There are six Canadian players currently in the professional ranks – Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard, Columbus Blue Jackets centre Adam Fantilli, Coachella Valley Firebirds centre Shane Wright, Blackhawks defenceman Kevin Korchinski, Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson and Boston Bruins centre Matthew Poitras – who are eligible to play at the World Juniors.
Bedard, Fantilli, Wright and Korchinski won gold with Canada last year in Halifax, but Benson and Poitras have never played at the event and could benefit from the experience.
"It always comes down to health of teams," Salmond said. "It comes down to the contribution the players are making. I have my own opinion on players and what this experience is like for them and how important it is, but ultimately respectful of those teams. We need to give it a few days and see how those players are and the health of their team and that will dictate a lot of where we are next week."