Benn is still recovering after undergoing surgery to fix a core muscle back in July. It will keep the Art Ross Trophy victor from participating in the global best-on-best tournament set to kick off in mid-September.
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Now, though, fans will get a chance to see him in more than just a hopefully full season this year; they’ll get a chance to see him playing in the World Cup of Hockey this September, as well.
Sharks forward Logan Couture will replace Jamie Benn on Team Canada for the World Cup of Hockey next month, Hockey Canada announced Tuesday. He has developed into a top player in the National Hockey League, and his versatility will benefit our group of forwards. “In making this decision the management group consulted with our coaching staff and determined that Logan was the best fit to help fill the role that Jamie was projected to play on Team Canada”. Losing Benn for an extended period of time would be devastating to the Stars, who have Stanley Cup aspirations.
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After battling through a regular season that saw Couture miss 30 games with injury, the Sharks forward was a force as San Jose marched through the playoffs. Benn’s injury forced him to pull out of the World Cup, but it shouldn’t keep him from being completely healthy when it matters most. He led all players with 20 assists and 30 points and can play either wing or centre for Canada. He’s sure to be drafted early given his sterling postseason output and career regular-season average of 0.75 points per game. Canada’s roster is heavy on natural centers, including Couture’s San Jose teammate Joe Thornton.
