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St. Louis Blues Alexander Steen Officially Out Of World Cup

By Todd Panula |
May 21, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) shoots as San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) watches the puck in the third period of game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Blues won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) shoots as San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) watches the puck in the third period of game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Blues won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

What was once up in the air has now become official. St. Louis Blues forward, Alexander Steen has been replaced on the Sweden roster, ruling him out of the World Cup.

Alexander Steen is likely extremely disappointed. The St. Louis Blues are likely not.

The team was never likely to hold their player out of an international competition. They weren’t likely to suggest it would be in his or their best interest if he did not play either. It’s all been taken out of everyone’s hands though as Team Sweden made the final call.

There were rumblings that Steen was doing all he could to rehab quickly enough to be able to participate in the World Cup of Hockey. However, whether it was his decision or those involved with the Swedish team, he was ruled to be still too injured and replaced on their roster.

Interestingly, Team Sweden went with youth in his replacement. Though there were more veteran players available, including St. Louis Blues’ own Patrik Berglund, the Swedes went with Anaheim Ducks’ youngster Richard Rakell.

The 23 year old Rakell did have a fine season in 2015-16. He scored 20 goals and had 43 points in only his second full season in the NHL.

Even so, it was a bit of a surprise. International committee’s are known for going with experienced players and Rakell only suited up for the national team at the World Juniors while some of the names that were passed over have World Championship and Olympic experience.

From Steen’s perspective, it has to be a bit of a blow. He made the wise decision of having surgery as early as possible so he’d be ready for the NHL season, but not being able to play for Sweden will still be a disappointment.

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Team Sweden was disappointed in the news as well. “Of course it is a blow to our team that Alex can’t participate in the World Cup of Hockey because he possesses a unique set of skills on our team,” said Rikard Gronborg, head coach of Team Sweden.

Now everyone’s focus will move forward. Gronborg will focus on integrating Rakell into the squad as the team looks to make it’s mark at this upcoming World Cup.

Steen will focus on his rehab and still hope to be ready by the season’s start. The Blues will focus on their upcoming training camp, now knowing t hey don’t have to worry about Steen aggravating the injury during this tournament.

Chances were good that Steen would have been fine if he played. Unless it’s something out of the norm, there usually aren’t major injuries at these sorts of events.

Even so, it just seems as though it’s better off that he is not involved. The Blues aren’t going to be as deep this season, so any time without Steen is going to be much more difficult to handle.

Knowing he can simply focus on rehab and come into camp fresh is much better for the team. Fans also would not have to hold their breath any time Steen went into the corner to battle for a puck.

On a personal level, it’s easy to feel bad. Steen deserved the opportunity to suit up for Sweden if that was his choice.

Many players still consider it an honor to play for their country. Hockey has not reached the level of baseball or basketball where it is more common for players to pull their name out than to play.

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In the end, this outcome seems best for all involved. Now, we can all move on.

Even without Steen, the World Cup should still be fun to watch. There is just one less Blues player to root for.

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