The Columbus Blue Jackets didn't qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but that doesn't mean the hockey season is over.
The Blue Jackets are well-represented at the upcoming IIHF World Championship.
Below are the players who have, per EliteProspects, accepted invitations to play for their country at the tournament.
- Andrew Peeke (USA)
- Nick Blankenburg (USA)
- Cole Sillinger (Canada)
- Kent Johnson (Canada)
- Oliver Bjorkstrand (Denmark)
- Alexandre Texier (France)
- Elvis Merzlikins (Latvia)
- Dean Kukan (Switzerland)
- Emil Bemstrom (Sweden)
In addition, Rick Nash, the Blue Jackets Director of Player Development, will serve as Assistant GM for Canada.
Russia and Belarus will not be participating in the tournament, which precludes several other Blue Jackets players and prospects who would have likely been on a roster.
A significant development worth noting is the presence of Texier, who missed the second half of the NHL season to be at home in France after suffering a broken finger and taking an extended leave of absence.
The tournament runs from May 13-29 in Tampere and Helsinki, Finland.
