NY Islanders players who could shine at the World Cup of Hockey in 2028

The return of best-on-best hockey at the international level has been captivating for the hockey world and even those who don’t tune into the NHL on an every-night basis. The 4 Nations Face-Off and the Olympics have turned new fans to the game, and we won’t need to wait four years to see it again, as the World Cup of Hockey will be back in 2028.

The World Cup of Hockey returns in 2028

The Americans will look to defend their Olympic triumph, the Canadians to seek revenge, and the rest of the world to fight to be considered among the best.

Though only two NY Islanders players represented their nation at the Olympics, a team and prospect pool full of youth will look to leave their mark and be selected for the tournament. Here are some players we could see representing their countries at the World Cup of Hockey.

Canada

Bo Horvat represented Canada at the Olympics, playing well in a different role than with the Islanders. He bought into that role while still managing to record two goals. He’ll be 32 come the World Cup, and if he continues playing at the level he has, he could very well have the Maple Leaf draped across his chest once again.

Matthew Schaefer went from barely playing hockey all of last season to making the Islanders and barely missing out on an Olympic invite. He’ll be 20 at the time of the event and will, in all likelihood, be part of the Canadian roster. The only thing that may prevent him is if there is a Team North America, like in the 2016 version of the tournament, made up of the top players 23 years old and under, teamed up.

Mathew Barzal has yet to reach the production of his rookie season when he won the Calder Trophy. When his game is on, he’s one of the most unique and skilled players in the league. Playing for any other country, he’d likely be a lock to make the team, but the Canadian roster is the hardest in the world to make. The immediate thought is that he’ll be on the outside looking in, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him work his way onto the team.