Martin replaces injured Leopold
OTTAWA (Ticker) -- New Jersey Devils defenceman Paul Martin will replace the injured Jordan Leopold on Team USA's World Cup of Hockey roster, USA Hockey announced Wednesday.
Leopold, who plays for the Western Conference champion Calgary Flames, suffered a concussion in the third period of Monday's 3-1 exhibition victory over Canada in Columbus, Ohio. He was an original selection to the 26-player roster on May 20.
Martin, 23, is coming off a rookie season in which he played 70 games, collecting six goals and 18 assists. He was fifth in the NHL in scoring among rookie defencemen.
"Unfortunately, Jordan will be unable to participate further in the World Cup due to his injury status," Team USA general manager Larry Pleau said in a statement. "However, this represents a tremendous opportunity for Paul Martin, who is a rising young star in the National Hockey League and a player who can contribute for us on defence."
Martin gets his first chance to contribute Wednesday night, when the United States again plays Canada at the Corel Centre.
Team USA has another exhibition game against Russia on Friday in Columbus. The World Cup of Hockey begins Monday. The U.S. faces Canada in Montreal on Tuesday.
