While Sven Bärtschi (Vancouver Canucks) soon becomes father and will therefore stay with his wife, Timo Meier (San Jose Sharks) does not want to risk an injury, as his entry-level deal is coming to an end and important contract extension negotiations are looming.
The same applies to Mirco Müller, who missed the Playoffs with the New Jersey Devils this season and will become a Restricted Free Agent (RFA), too. Contrary to Nico Hischier, who is expected to play at the Worlds, Müller is unlikely to do so unless he has signed a new contract prior to tournament start.
There are some question marks behind Kevin Fiala (Minnesota Wild). Like Meier and Müller, Fiala's entry-level deal is set to expire, too. The 22-year-old forward, however, is keen on playing at the Worlds. Also Sven Andrighetto (Colorado Avalanche), still involved in the Playoffs, will become an RFA at season's end.
As for Denis Malgin (Florida Panthers) and Luca Sbisa (New York Islanders), Patrick Fischer does not consider adding them to the roster. The remaining Swiss NHL-players, Roman Josi, Yannick Weber (Nashville Predators), Nino Niederreiter (Carolina Hurricanes), Dean Kukan (Columbus Blue Jackets), and Jonas Siegenthaler (Washington Capitals) all signalized that they would follow an invitation when eliminated from the playoffs and healthy enough.
( 12 April 2019 | rlu )
