Habster:
P.K. Subban didn’t look out of place when he was on the ice and made good decisions with the puck. He was used sparingly especially in the final two games against the US and Sweden but was dressed for every game during the tournament. Needless to say, it was a huge experience for him which will only help his confidence (something he isn’t lacking!!!) and maturation as a player.
Coach Craig Hartsburg was impressed enough with young Mr. Subban that he cut some very good defensemen like Kevin Marshall, Brendan Smith, Andrew Bodnarchuk, Keaton Ellerby (1st round pick (#10) of the Florida Panthers) and Ty Wishart (1st round pick of San Jose). I wouldn’t be surprised to see P.K play a greater role on next year’s team which will defend its WJC title next year in Ottawa.
While P.K Subban had limited ice time with Team Canada, another Habs prospect, 2007 1st rounder (#22), Max Pacioretty was playing a regular shift with Team USA on the fourth line. Pacioretty didn’t score or register any points but he did get 13 shots on net in 6 games and by all accounts didn’t look out of place throughout the tournament.
The other Canadiens prospect from the 2007 draft that participated in the WJC tournament was Yannick Weber . Weber played for Team Switzerland and was the team captain/#1 defenseman on the team. He was the most impressive Habs prospect at the WJC and had 4 points (G-1 A-3) while recording an impressive 25 shots on net in 5 games. Weber has a very strong point shot which his coach, Jakob Kolliker used on the Swiss powerplay, allowing Weber to tee it up whenever he had the opportunity.
