Senators NOT releasing Zibanejad for WJC
 

https://mobile.twitter.com/THNRyanKe...8411743232?p=v

This isnt the only tweet about this on twitter but the first one I grabbed as a reference.

Big loss for Sweden. I guess Ottawa wants him to continue to play against men in the AHL instead of other Jr players. Damn shame if you ask me.

It is a shame. But honestly, I don't think I really blame them. If he is doing well in the AHL (he's not exactly tearing it up, but not doing too bad), then I'd imagine he's better off there with tighter competition, assuming his ice time is good.

I'm surprised that more teams don't prevent it, but I guess they like to keep their players happy.

just give the trophy to canada already...

unless they somehow have jake allen or mark visentin in net.

i think if hes doing well in the ahl they should still give him a chance to shine and maybe build more confidence as an elite guy. also to give him the chance to play for his country would be a nice gesture.

It's a tough call for the team, but as a player I would want to be in the WJC unless I was in the NHL already. The opportunity is so limited that I would want to go every year if I could.

I wonder if this will play into Edmontons thinking as far as RNH goes when it comes to Team Canada calling them up. Step back for him too??

Bad call.

He should be at the tourny.

Lowe and Tambellini wouldn't dare!! They are too involved with hockey Canada to not let RNH go win another gold for Canada..

Doesn't change anything from Edmonton's perspective.

Great news. Big downgrade in talent, bigger ice, missing a month of AHL for 6 or so games. Not worth it. The WJC is massively overrated for "development".

They want him to learn the game on small ice, so going to the WJC doesn't help, and he already experienced a win last year. You wanna learn how to be a pro, the WJC won't help you at all.

Also the player was consulted and agreed that not going was the right move.