Chicago Blackhawks forward Brandon Saad won’t play for the United States men’s hockey team at next month’s World Championship. The tournament is from May 4-20 in Copenhagen and Herning, Denmark.
Saad said he decided not to play so he can focus on offseason training and his upcoming wedding in July.
Saad, 25, has never played in the tournament. The Pittsburgh native hasn’t suited up for his country since he won gold with Team USA at the 2012 World Juniors tournament. Part of that is attributed to playing in the playoffs with Chicago (2012-15) and with the under-23 Team North America team in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.