'I wish I could have played' in World Cup, says American Tyler Johnson

For Tyler Johnson, it was a helpless feeling.

The American forward watched as the United States went winless in the World Cup, and that was the problem - he was watching.

"I wish I could have been there," Johnson said, writes the Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith. "I wish I could have played, but that's their decision."

The U.S. braintrust took a lot of heat this week for its roster decisions, emphasizing grit and intangibles over speed and talent, both which Johnson possesses in abundance.

Johnson pointed out that the World Cup is a short tournament, anything can happen, especially when the best players in the world are involved. Even though he wasn't on the team, he wanted the U.S. to succeed.

Now the focus shifts to the regular season, and Johnson's looking to bounce back. After breaking out in 2014-15 with 72 points, he scored only 14 goals last season, finishing with a career-low 38 points in 69 games.

Injuries played a part, but Johnson's looking to have a big 2016-17 and - if NHLers are involved - make a case for himself to be on the U.S. Olympic team in 2018.