Monday, December 5, 2011

Christian Thomas' Chances of Making Canadian World Junior Team

New York Rangers Christian Thomas had lofty expectations heading into this season as he was coming off a tremendous 99 point (54G, 45A) campaign a year ago.  Thomas struggled out of the gate scoring only three points in his first eight games of the season.  He was picking up his game, scoring in five straight games (2G, 5A) before getting suspended 10 games because of a high sticking incident. 

Team Canada saw enough in Thomas to give him another invite to the World Junior Camp.  While many have written him off as a legit threat to make the team, Brock Otten of OHL Prospects believes that Thomas has a good chance to make the squad:
Christian Thomas
Thomas has a lot of things going for him. He's obviously one of the best pure goal scorers at the camp and could easily slot on one of the team's top lines. But he's also a tenacious forechecker and energy guy who could just as easily slot in on one of the team's checking lines to provide speed and energy. Again, his versatility makes him a very attractive option. He hasn't had a terrific year, with his slow start and suspension, but he's picking it up as of late (with 6 goals and 4 assists in his last 5 games).
Since returning from suspension Thomas has been on fire with 14 points (6G, 8A) in only seven games including three goals and six assists in the last two games.  Playing well leading into camp certainly improves Thomas' chances of making the club as his form will be at a peak level.  His sniping ability also helps him tremendously, but it will depend on what the team is looking for when shaking out the roster.  Hopefully for Thomas he will get the shot, but if he doesn't, then hopefully a response like he had last season will be in store for the Oshawa Generals.