It's always risky for players without contracts to play in international tournaments.
They're not insured. Their future is unclear. But for Oliver Bjorkstrand, this one's as close to a no-brainer as it gets. This year's IIHF World Championship is being held in Denmark, with part of the tournament in Copenhagen and part in Herning (where the Danish team is based) – Bjorkstrand's hometown.
The Danish Ice Hockey Union announced Wednesday that Bjorkstrand will be coming home to play for Denmark in the tournament, which begins Friday. Bjorkstrand said in a statement that he was able to obtain insurance to play in the tournament, and acknowledged the risks of playing in the Worlds without a contract. He's due to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
From the Danish Ice Hockey Union's announcement:
"Of course, there is no easy decision when I have no contract for the coming season. But it has been a good and reassuring process to get the insurance in place with DIU, and I have had a burning desire to join this year. I'm looking forward to pulling my shirt over my head on Friday," says Bjorkstrand.
In addition to Bjorkstrand, NHLers Frederik Andersen of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Frans Nielsen of the Detroit Red Wings will be representing Denmark.
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