Jeff Carter To Replace Injured Ryan Getzlaf on Team Canada?

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

It appears that, in lieu of Ryan Getzlaf’s sprained ankle, Philadelphia Flyers sniper Jeff Carter is back in the running for Team Canada.

Canada’s executive director Steve Yzerman has told Carter that if Getzlaf can’t go, he is going to be the replacement. The question at hand is just how bad is Getzlaf’s ankle?

Like every good Canadian, one would have to think that Getzlaf will have to be near disabled before he will tell Yzerman he can’t play for Canada at the Vancouver Olympics. That said, it appears as if Getzlaf will have to prove it to Yzerman and Co. by getting on the ice and demonstrating he is close to 100%.

Selfishly, I am sure Getzlaf wants to be a part of Canada’s roster, but with so much on the line—mainly a shot at a gold medal—Getzlaf will likely put his personal agenda aside and stay on the sidelines should his injury be serious.

The Anaheim Ducks play their last game before the Olympics on Sunday night in Edmonton against the Oilers. It is expected that if Getzlaf cannot play in that game, he will be asked to stay home, with Carter expected to take his place.

Getzlaf and Carter are two very different players—Getzlaf is more of a set-up man who has a penchant for scoring goals in the crease, while Carter is a goal-scoring sniper. Like most of Canada’s roster, both Getzlaf and Carter are capable of playing in just about any situation, leading many to speculate that Carter may in fact be paired with teammate Mike Richards on Canada’s fourth line in a shut-down role.

Whatever the case may be, Carter is seemingly willing to do whatever it takes to be a part of Canada’s squad. The fact that Canada can make a solid addition such as Carter is a testament to the overall depth that Canada has and another reminder why Canada will be so tough to beat in Vancouver.

I mean, how many countries left 24 goal scorers off their roster, or in Carter’s case, a player who lit the lamp a total of 46 times last season?

In what may very well come down to a last minute decision, Carter is expected to get the final news on Sunday night or on Monday—the last day countries can submit their final rosters.

Until next time,

Peace!