Which Flyers will play in the Winter Olympics in 2022?
By Colin Newby
The Field- Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, China
Flyers fans will be predominantly rooting for Team USA, and the rivalry between the Americans and Team Canada figures to be the main storyline of the Olympics in the US. However, the two North American teams have stiff competition from the rest of the world.
Flyers winger Jakub Voracek is expected to represent the Czech Republic in his second Olympic selection. The Czech talent pool is no longer as deep as the 1998 Gold Medal team that featured stars like Jaromir Jagr and Dominic Hasek, so Voracek will have the opportunity to play an integral role and gain the most exposure of any Flyer in Beijing next year.
Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov projects to be a core member of the Russian defense. His progression towards an elite defenseman in the NHL could make him a mainstay representing Russia in world competitions for years to come. He is one vital element to the future of Russian hockey as superstars Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin have reached their mid 30’s.
Swedish winger Oskar Lindblom would need a drastic increase in offensive production to be in consideration for a roster spot. Michael Raffl, a 2014 Austrian Olympian, unfortunately will not compete after Team Austria failed to qualify.
The rest of the Flyers roster does not feature any players from Finland, Switzerland, or China.