Bouwmeester in, Keith out for Canada at upcoming World Cup of Hockey

TORONTO — St. Louis Blues defenceman Jay Bouwmeester was added to Canada’s roster for the World Cup of hockey on Wednesday to replace Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Keith withdrew from the tournament as he continues to rehabilitate his right knee. He had surgery in October 2015 to repair a meniscal tear in the joint, but returned to the ice by November to help lead Chicago to the post-season. He requires more work to have his knee 100 per cent for the NHL’s regular season.

“First and foremost, we want to wish Duncan the best in his continued rehabilitation, and welcome Jay to the team,” said Doug Armstrong, Canada’s general manager for the World Cup. “Our management team and coaching staff felt it was critical to ensure continuity between the number of left- and right-handed defencemen on our roster, and Jay’s experience with what it takes to be successful in these short tournaments can’t be undervalued.”

The 32-year-old Bouwmeester was on the 2004 World Cup-winning squad, and has also won gold for Canada at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and the 2003 and 2004 world championships. Bouwmeester also played at three world junior championships (2000, 2001, 2002), bringing home two bronze medals and one silver.

Bouwmeester had three goals and 16 assists with a minus-4 rating in 72 games last season. He added four assists in 20 playoff games. He has 81 goals and 376 points in 990 career NHL games and was a member of Canada’s 2004 World Cup of Hockey championship squad.

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Keith had nine goals and 34 assists with a plus-13 rating for Chicago last season then added three goals and two assists in six playoff games. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Keith has won Olympic gold for Canada in both 2010 and 2014, and earned silver at the 2008 world championship.

The Canadian Press