There could be more competition and incentive for NHLers to play for Team U.S.A. at the World Championships this year and next after general manager Bill Guerin made one thing clear. If you want to play at the 4-Nations tournament and in the 2026 Olympics for the U.S., you should play for U.S.A. at the World Championships. This assumes players aren't in the playoffs and are healthy. The Blackhawks have been eliminated for a while now and Chicago players who can represent their countries likely will. This includes U.S.-born defense partners Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic. See video. Blackhawks D-Man Seth Jones on hard skate in practice, wake-up call and slow starts. Andy Strickland, rinkside reporter and co-host of The Cam & Strick Podcast, revealed that "USA roster will have Seth Jones, Brady Tkachuk, Trevor Zegras, Luke Kunin, and more" which could include Vlasic as well if he makes the cut. It's not rare to see defense partners paired up at international events as they have chemistry formed during the season. Jones has been shooting away. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1MzA1NzQ2ODYxMDczOTE4/usatsi_22874829_168401008_lowres.jpg] Jones has been shooting away. Jones has averaged 25:29 of ice time per game, fifth highest in the NHL. He's come on strong offensively down the stretch with seven of his eight goals and 12 points overall in his last 16 games. The 22-year-old Vlasic has been one of the Blackhawks' pleasant surprises in his first full NHL season. The 6-foot-6 Chicago area native is smart and mobile, and has averaged 21:26 of ice time. That's second only to Jones on the Blackhawks. Still, it may not be easy for both Jones and Vlasic to make Team U.S.A. since the American defensive pool is vast. D-men from non-playoff teams include Zach Werenski, Brock Faber, Luke Hughes, Torey Krug, Cam Fowler, Cam York, Jake Sanderson, Justin Faulk, Nick Leddy, John Marino, and more. A couple of U.S.-born defensemen are on teams in the playoff bubble right now as well, including Shayne Gostisbehere and John Carlson. Players on teams eliminated in the first round sometimes join their international teams, but after playing through a round of the playoffs, they could need time to heal and choose not to go. Due to experience and overall proven ability throughout his 11-year career, Jones should be a member of the U.S. team. Vlasic isn't a sure bet yet, considering the options. He often has played on the top pairing for the Blackhawks alongside Jones, but has skated in just 93 NHL games. Vlasic's name probably will remain in the mix year after year as he develops and continues to improve. RECENT BLACKHAWKS NEWS Blackhawks Blitzed: Breaking Down Surrendering Four Goals On First Four Shots Versus Blues [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-blitzed-breaking-down-surrendering-four-goals-on-first-four-shots-versus-blues] Connor Bedard, Two Other Young Blackhawks Stars Among Five Worst NHLers In Plus/Minus, But... [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/bedard-2-other-young-blackhawks-clobbered-in-2023-24-with-horrible-plus-minus] Four Shots Against, Four Goals Against. Horrific Start Dooms Blackhawks To 5-2 Loss In St. Louis [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/game-day/four-shots-against-four-goals-against-horrific-start-dooms-blackhawks-to-5-2-loss-in-st-louis] Former Notre Dame Star Landon Slaggert Scores First Pro, NHL Goal With Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/players/former-notre-dame-star-landon-slaggert-scores-first-pro-nhl-goal-with-blackhawks]
