SWITZERLAND
Captain Nico Hischier and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler will represent Switzerland in Group A. Hischier put up 21 goals, 39 assists and 60 overall points in 70 games played, which were all NHL career-best numbers for the forward. Siegenthaler played 70 games, and added 14 points (1G-13A) this season and was a top defenseman for the Devils. The blueliner was injured in New Jersey's game on April 7, but is recovering and expects to be good to go for Worlds.
This is Hischier's third time representing Switzerland at the Men's World Championship, last playing at the 2021 edition of the tournament. Siegenthaler also played for the senior men's team at the 2021 Men's World Championship, and this year will be his third appearance at Men's Worlds.
"Should be a fun tournament. Excited to see my Swiss teammates, lots of friends on that team as well. I just want to go there have fun, play hard, and hopefully get a medal for team Switzerland," Hischier said on the tournament. "Usually with all the European fans, different fans from different countries coming together … it's a fun good experience."
CANADA
Alternate Captain Damon Severson will represent Canada for his second Men's Worlds appearance after last playing in the 2019 edition. Severson had a career best year in assists (35) and points (46) while tying his most goals output with 11.
Rookie forward Dawson Mercer will join Severson on Team Canada for Men's Worlds. This is Mercer's first time playing for the senior men's team after representing Canada at the World Junior Championship in 2020 and 2021. The rookie was the only Devils player to play all 82 games this season and finished the year with 17 goals, 25 assists for a total of 42 points. Canada is in Group A.
UNITED STATES
Goaltender Jon Gillies will also represent the United States with his first appearance at Men's Worlds. Gillies has played in two World Junior Championships for Team USA, back in 2013 and 2014. Team USA is in Group B.
SLOVAKIA
Forward Tomas Tatar is playing in his seventh Men's World Championship and first appearance on the Men's National Team since 2019. This season, Tatar added 15 goals and 15 assists for a total of 30 points and the veteran recently played his 700th career NHL game. Slovakia is in Group A at this year's tournament.
With plenty of Devils at the tournament, Tatar discussed what it's like to play against his teammates.
"I personally enjoy it, I want to beat them, have an upper hand on them … It's always exciting to battle and compete against your friends. It comes with a lot of trash talk but I think we all enjoy it, I wish everyone to have good luck at the tournament and hopefully the better team wins."
