Projected top 2020 NHL draft pick Alexis Lafreniere had an injury scare during Canada's 6-0 loss to Russia in the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championships group stage, but according to a report from TSN's Frank Seravalli, the forward will return for Canada's quarterfinal match with Slovakia on Jan. 2.
Seravalli took a photograph and video of Lafreniere skating with a coach during Team Canada's practice on New Year's Day, just five days after he appeared to suffer a leg injury in a collision with Russian goaltender Amir Miftakhov. Although Lafreniere spent the last few days walking without crutches, he did not participate in his team's recent practices even after an MRI failed to reveal any fractures or torn ligaments in his leg. He also missed Canada's final two group stage games.
Lafreniere looks good. pic.twitter.com/CV2wftphWr
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 1, 2020
Lafreniere's potential return to the tournament has loomed over Team Canada since his injury situation as both Hockey Canada and Lafreniere's camp seek to find a balance between striving for success at the world juniors and protecting the elite prospect's long-term health.
"Alexis wants to play more than anything but that decision will be taken based on his long-term future and to not risk anything," Lafreniere' agent Emilie Castonguay said in a statement during Canada's matchup with Germany on Dec 30. "It is simply too important. If there is any risk to aggravate the injury or expose a weakened knee to any further injury, he will not be taking that risk."
If Lafreniere makes his return in the knockout stage of this year's tournament in the Czech Republic, his re-addition to the Canadian lineup gives even more firepower to the tournament's top power play (45 percent through four games) and should increase his team's chances to advance to the semifinal round.
Canada meets Slovakia in the tournament quarterfinal on Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. ET.