Maple Leafs Who Should Be Considered for Team Canada at World Championships

It has been another terrible regular season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that doesn't mean the team's best Canadian-born players should be excluded from some spring hockey.

This won't involve NHL playoff games, with the Leafs once again well short of a playoff spot.

What it could involve is a chance to play some high-level hockey with a slightly different maple leaf adorning the sweater of players selected to represent Canada at the IIHF World Championships in the Czech Republic.

With 14-plus NHL teams supplying players to Team Canada, it's an honour to be selected from a very talented pool of skaters. Let's take a look at the Maple Leafs, who should be on Team Canada's radar for this tournament that starts in less than month.

James Reimer, Goaltender

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James Reimer has not been a world-beater for the Maple Leafs this season, but he's a versatile goaltender who can be ready to play at a high level if he's not Team Canada's starter.

Reimer played reasonably well at the 2014 World Championships, earning a .920 save percentage. He has a .909 save percentage with the Leafs in 2014-15, along with a 3.06 goals-against average. Admirable numbers given the Leafs' poor team defensive play

He's no Carey Price, but Reimer could be counted on to provide quality goaltending when called upon if he's selected by the Team Canada brass.

Nazem Kadri, Forward

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Nazem Kadri has not had a banner year in 2014-15. He's earned only 39 points and has yet to crack the 20-goal barrier. He's capable of much more.

Despite not having a great year, Kadri could play a key role for Team Canada at the World Championships. He's versatile enough to play on either wing or at centre.

He's got exceptional vision and the kind of hockey sense that allows him to play a highly skilled game with talented teammates. He'd have that on the Team Canada roster.

Kadri can also play on the power play with his ability to find the open man as well as being an underrated finisher.

He should get heavy consideration for Team Canada this spring.

Dion Phaneuf, Defenceman

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Dion Phaneuf could be a valuable addition to Team Canada. He can play in all game situations, he's excelled in international hockey previously, and he's a proven defender over a successful career.

Phaneuf has 28 points this season, and he continues to be an offensive threat as he readies to turn 30 years of age. He still plays a physical game, and his puck-moving skills remain solid—he's a much better passer than the casual fan realizes.

The Edmonton, Alberta, native can also anchor a power-play unit. He's got a hard and accurate shot. He would offer 20-plus quality minutes to Team Canada along with some veteran leadership.

Morgan Rielly, Defenceman

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Morgan Rielly is on the cusp of greatness. He's an exceptional skater with world-class puck skills. 

He should be a shoo-in for Team Canada for this year's World Championships. The former first-round pick has 29 points this season. He would be an offensive leader for Team Canada, fully capable of playing top-four minutes.

He could be counted on to play against the other team's best skaters, and the wider international ice surface will pose no concerns for Rielly with his elite agility.

The former Moose Jaw Warriors star is getting better with each passing day. Expect him to be an emerging star for Canada in the Czech Republic.

All stats can be found on hockeyDB.com and the hockeycanada.ca website.