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Winnipeg Jets Byfuglien, and Wheeler expected to lead Team USA at the World Cup

By Anthony Jacob

Apr 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler (26) skates down the ice during a shootout against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. The Winnipeg Jets won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler (26) skates down the ice during a shootout against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. The Winnipeg Jets won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Team USA announced their roster for the World Cup of Hockey, Jets fans, and Winnipeg Jets fans in general couldn’t be surprised Dustin Byfuglien was on that list. Dustin himself was more relieved than surprised. This is the first time Byfuglien has been selected to a best on best event by his country. (Crazy hey?)

How will they contribute to their country?

James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Wheeler on the other hand is coming off a career year, and has lots more experience as one of the better players in America. This time around, Wheeler will be relied on way more, as he was the 3rd highest scorer from this past season on Team USA. Wheeler is expected to play on Team USA’s first line. It’s projected to be himself, Max Pacioretty, and Joe Pavelski. Blake will play a key role adding onto a combo with lots of speed, and ability to get shots off quick. Wheeler’s speed, playmaking, and work-ethic will certainly help America try to take down the Maple Leaf. Being in a small media market, his excellent play has been undervalued. He’s no longer the hesitant player he was when playing in Boston. He’s a great, hard-working guy, who could become the captain of the Jets. Why not an assistant captain for this World Cup Team as well.

John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Dustin Byfuglien followers have known he’s always been under appreciated. Whether it being his 9th Round selection in his NHL Entry Draft, or the Blackhawks indecisiveness of him becoming a core player, who then traded him to the then Atlanta Thrashers. To add onto that, none of “Big Buff’s” teams were ever confident in him being one of their top blue liners, so placed him in a support act on right wing. But what else has been proven is whenever he’s given a chance at something, he succeeds. When he was given a chance at cracking an NHL lineup, he flourished. When the Jets gave him a chance to be their ace on defense, he took advantage, and took over.

With an aging roster, Team USA will lean on two Winnipeg Jets more than in the past, and if America starts seeing gold next month, it will be thanks to the help from two leaders.

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