Toronto Maple Leafs' Canadian Prospects Cut from World Junior Tryout

The dreaded call on Monday morning ended the hope of Maple Leafs prospects Jesse Blacker and Bradley Ross, as they were cut from Canada's World Junior roster.

Blacker, who was a late invite to camp after an injury to Phoenix prospect Brandon Gormley created an opening, was returned to the Owen Sound Attack.  The defenseman has had a standout season so far for his OHL team with 7 goals and 20 assists in 28 games. Forward Ross rejoined his Portland Winterhawks team, where he has notched 14 goals and 14 assists in 31 games, as well as adding 79 minutes in penalties.

The elimination of Blacker and Ross from the tryouts removes any Leafs prospects from the Canada junior team, but there are still two more players who may yet compete for their respective countries.

Jerry D'Amigo, who has been playing this year with the Toronto Marlies, still has a chance to make the American squad after an electric performance at last year's tournament. D'Amigo has struggled somewhat in his jump to the AHL, with just three goals and six assists in 29 games, but his play on the U.S. gold medal winning team last year obviously got him a call back to this year's camp.

Sondre Olden, a third round selection from the Toronto Maple Leafs, was invited to the Norwegian tryout camp.  If Olden makes it to the NHL, he will be only the sixth Norwegian in history, but right now he is concentrating on playing well for his country.

The Maple Leafs will likely still be represented at the World Juniors, it just won't be with Canadians.