Gleason awaiting Team USA decision

The Canes' Eric Staal, Tuomo Ruutu and Joni Pitkanen will be going to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics. But what about defenseman Tim Gleason?

Team USA will be announced tomorrow, and Gleason hopes to hear his name called. But will he? His thoughts:

"I think my chances are 50-50," he said. "I think I've played well enough to make an impact or make them think twice or whatever the case is.

"If that's the case, obviously I'd be honored to do so. If not, then that's the way she goes. You get 10 days off.

"It would be a great honor. I'm looking forward to the opportunity if it arises. If not, I'll work hard and you never know if it'll come again."

Gleason attended the Team USA orientation camp this past summer. He said he believed the U.S. selection committee might be leaning toward taking younger players -- someone like 21-year-old forward Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, for example.

"At the camp they mentioned the 1980 (U.S.) team, where there were a lot of young no-namers, a young team," he said. "I think they're kind of going toward that route.

"I'm sure they'll have a few veterans as well. But at the same time, I think they're going to go a little younger and be a surprise team."

Gleason is 26. Does that rate as young or old?

"I feel old," he said, smiling. "But I don't know if 26 is old in this league.

"On that team I think it would be closer to the older side of things. So I don't know. I'm guessing they'll go a bit younger, so we'll see."