The groups and full schedule have been announced for the 2021 World Junior Championship. The tournament will begin on Christmas for the first time since the 2005 edition.
Originally scheduled to take place in the Alberta cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, the tournament will now take place behind closed doors exclusively at Edmonton’s Rogers Place using a “bubble” concept similar to that used in the NHL playoffs.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IIHF cancelled all lower-division U20 championships on September 17, 2020, so there will be no regulation this year.
Pool A will consist of hosts Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Slovakia and Germany.
The United States is in Pool B with Russia, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Austria.
The teams will play a four-game round robin with the top four teams from each pool advancing to the quarterfinals and the last place team in each pool going home.
Florida Panthers goaltending prospect Spencer Knight should be the starter for the Americans, who open the tournament against Russia on Christmas Day.
New signings
Kris Russell signed a one-year extension worth $1.250 million with the Edmonton Oilers.
Jonas Siegenthaler signed a one-year contract worth $800K with the Washington Capitals.
Zach Senyshyn signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins.
AJ Greer signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Islanders.
Drew Shore signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Welcome back to North America, Drew.
Arbitration
Connor Brown and the Ottawa Senators had a hearing scheduled for this morning, but that won’t be needed as the sides have settled on a new three-year, $10.8 million deal.