World hockey championships players to watch: Matthew Tkachuk, Sidney Crosby lead
The hockey world championships can be a tough sell because it happens during the NHL playoffs. But there are some big names going.
The United States is bringing back two players this month as it defends its rare gold medal at the IIHF men's hockey world championship. The International Ice Hockey Federation's marquee tournament is often a tough sell because it falls in May during the NHL playoffs . Golden goal scorer Tage Thompson is still playing for the Buffalo Sabres and captain Clayton Keller and goalie Jeremy Swayman played in the NHL first round.
Swayman also has a child on the way. Some players need to recover from injuries after grueling seasons and there's no Olympics on the horizon as a carrot to attend. But that doesn't mean there are no intriguing players at this year's hockey worlds.
The Florida Panthers missing the playoffs after back-to-back titles opened some unexpected options for their players' countries. Here are eight players to watch at the IIHF world championships: USA's Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers He's usually unavailable because of deep NHL playoff runs. But he'll be the USA's marquee player and the lone Olympic gold medal winner on the team.
If he helps the USA repeat, he'll be the first American on the triple gold club with Olympic, world championships and NHL titles. He's scheduled to arrive on May 19. Boston's Mason Lohrei and Edmonton prospect Isaac Howard are the returnees.