Lajunen is WHC winner (2011) and silver medalist (2016). He is now 26 and playing the best season of his career so in my mind he has shown how he can perform at NT level even better than Savinainen or Haapala.
I wasn't actually really talking about Lajunen, since he plays in a different position and is something of a known performer. So let me clarify a bit: It's highly unlikely that Peltola and Kuusela make it before Haapala, even if they seem to be doing better right now.
I also read the news. It sounded to me like we are going to wait few days and he will say no, but we will see soon. If his teammate Laine had come, he would too. It must influence his decision a bit.
Like Teräväinen's decision influenced Aho?
You know, if that's the case, there should be little reason for Armia to hem and haw about it now that Laine already declined. He could just say no and be done with it, no one would bat an eye anymore.
What's far more likely is this: In his heart, Armia wants to go. However, he's not 100%, so there's a voice in his brain telling him he shouldn't risk it. He's taken a timeout to see if those little injuries show signs of improving - and if he can drown out that voice of reason.
