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Palmieri named to Team USA World Cup squad, replaces Callahan

New Jersey Devils v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New Jersey Devils in action against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center on October 10, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Washington Capitals won, 5-3. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

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The United States will replace injured winger Ryan Callahan on its World Cup squad with New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri.

Palmieri is coming off a 30-goal season. He led the Devils with 57 points and recently signed a five-year contract extension.

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

Palmieri, 25, is more than just a goal-scorer. He finished second among New Jersey forwards with 129 hits, a statistic that no doubt appeals to head coach John Tortorella. Ditto for Palmieri’s 51 blocked shots, also the second most among Devils forwards.

Many had wondered if Callahan would be replaced by Phil Kessel. It’s not known if the Penguins’ star winger was a consideration; he recently underwent hand surgery and was still wearing a bandage on Monday during his day with the Stanley Cup in Toronto.

Related: Kessel on World Cup snub: ‘It is what it is’