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Kyle Palmieri replaces Ryan Callahan on Team USA roster

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 26, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) shoots the puck during the second period of their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) shoots the puck during the second period of their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Team USA has announced that New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri will replace injured forward Ryan Callahan on their World Cup of Hockey roster.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan has long been a favorite of Team USA in international competitions. A leader on the 2010 and 2014 Olympic teams, he was one of the early additions to Team USA’s roster for the World Cup of Hockey.

An injury to Callahan that will keep him out until at least November left an open roster spot. Team USA has announced that New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri will be filling that spot.

"“Kyle brings an all-around game that we’re confident will fit nicely with the framework we’re looking to build,” said general manager of Team USA Dean Lombardi, via USA Hockey. “He’s coming off an outstanding year in New Jersey and will play an important role with our team.”"

Related Story: All-Snub Team from World Cup of Hockey

Palmieri is a very fine addition to Team USA. He’s an excellent goal scorer who should have been on the roster in the first place. Team USA doesn’t have many skilled goal scorers, but Palmieri gives them one.

However, Team USA once again failed to include Pittsburgh Penguins forward Phil Kessel. Perhaps Kessel declined an invitation. But he wasn’t include on the initial or final rosters for Team USA despite being one of the team’s best players in the 2010 Olympics and 2014 Olympics.

Kessel’s exclusion from the World Cup of Hockey is very confusing, but that doesn’t mean that Palmieri isn’t deserving of his roster spot.

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