Tuch, Jokiharju will not take part in tournament in Czechia starting next month
Five Buffalo Sabres players took part in the 2023 IIHF World Championships last May, with forward J-J Peterka winning the tournament’s top forward, and three Canadian players (Jack Quinn, Peyton Krebs and Devon Levi) taking home gold. With this year’s World Championships in Czechia next month, thus far only defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has indicated he will participate, while three others (Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Henri Jokiharju) have announced they will not take part.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams reported that Thompson, who scored 29 goals this season, suffered a lower-body injury in the season finale against Tampa Bay that will take a few weeks to heal. Thompson said at locker cleanout that the injury would prevent him from playing for Team USA, but should not interfere with off-season training for next season.
Tuch, who led the Sabres with 59 points, played at the Worlds in Finland and Latvia last May but informed Team USA that he would not be available this time around.
Jokiharju has wanted to play for his country but has been unable to do so the last few years due to COVID and injury issues. This time it is his contract status. The 24-year-old blueliner is a restricted free agent this summer and does not want to risk injury with his future security up in the air.
Dahlin may not be the only Sabre to be heading to Europe to play for their country. Peterka could return for Germany, goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could be in the mix for Finland, but like Jokiharju, is a restricted free agent and Dylan Cozens, Owen Power, Zach Benson, Jack Quinn, Peyton Krebs, and Bowen Byram have all played for Canada internationally in the past.
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