WJC: 2016 — Canada Roster Talk (Part II)

[tfantasy]

Here I am contradicting myself. Even though Gauthier didn't record a point in two games against the Russians he has size plus he has lots of speed. Kept crashing the net. I hope he makes it. Oh and no Shirley. Wow. I guess I really saw something nobody else did. Sorry about that guys.

 

[Fire Sweeney]

Gonna be a weaker team this year than the last few.

They should focus on an all-out offense. They can easily average over 6 goals per game with guys like Marner, Strome and Barzal.

 

[Albi34]

How good is Crouse as a finisher? Would it be worth a try having him play on a line with Marner as a finisher/puck retriever?

 

[Halfy]

While we may not have a "stud" defenceman, all of our D are very very good and D should be a non issue for the Red and White.

Sanheim and Walman could be studs for us.

 

[JackSlater]

How good is Crouse as a finisher? Would it be worth a try having him play on a line with Marner as a finisher/puck retriever?

Doesn't seem to be a great finisher. He has size, defensive ability and adequate offence though. I think he would be a good compliment to Canada's smaller forwards (Marner/Point/Beauvillier/Konecny/Watson).

 

[wishywashy19]

Man this roster is one of Canada's worst in a while. There is high end talent - Marner, Strome, Barzal, but not a lot of depth, and also no stud defenceman.

Guys like Perlini, Watson, McKeown wouldnt have had a shot at the team if we had depth like last year. Really need our big guns to step up, and if Dal Colle would step it up would be massive

I wouldn't say worst but this team is young and could very easily have the wheels fall off in a real hurry
I am already on record as stating this team should be top four but they really need some 96 leadership and solid goaltending to get them any where
I am not saying anymore about Dal Colle but he and Perlini need a big time tournament and hopefully we capture a medal
But as always some one is going to say we are favourite but I am happy to see Button putting the bullseye on the USA where it belongs for Gold

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Scott Salmond was on TSN radio discussing the selection process: http://www.tsn.ca/radio/toronto-105...anada-has-selected-players-this-year-1.402574

 

[NuxFan09]

Canada, as usual, only inviting 2 goalies. Was hoping Hart would be invited as well.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Hicketts and Crouse are going to be important to this team in my mind. Returning players always are.

Would love to see Bennett and Fabbri released from their teams to play. Unlikely to happen but this would be a huge boost for Canada.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

Definitely not the talent of other years, but I think that's also a testament to how many young Canadian players are making the jump to the NHL while still eligible to play.
As usual, it will come down to how quickly they come together as a team.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

I don't really have that big of a problem with taking two goalies. I understand the move. I would like to see though the team start taking a token 3rd 19yo goalie who would know his role as a supplement to the other two goalies. I don't see the point in Carter Hart or Sawchenko or whoever going to this tourney just to take 5 shots in practice.

 

[xIsle]

Pretty much the group that most of us expected. Only player that I really expected to see that isn't there is Roy... he had a bad summer camp (not as bad as McKeown) but he's been very good in league play both this year and last. Disappointed that Walman was invited, looks bad on Hockey Canada.

I agree with you especially with the lack of RH shot on defense. There is only two of them in camp.
Huge advantage for both Juulsen and Mckeown.

 

[DonskoiDonscored]

Why Chartier was invited is beyond me. I doubt he'll even be game ready for the WHL before late-January.

Nevermind. Cleared today.

 

[Dod93Cityt]

Pretty much the group that most of us expected. Only player that I really expected to see that isn't there is Roy... he had a bad summer camp (not as bad as McKeown) but he's been very good in league play both this year and last. Disappointed that Walman was invited, looks bad on Hockey Canada.

It would look bad if they handled the situation like children.

 

[xIsle]

I'll give a shot:

M. Dal Colle - B. Point - M. Marner
L. Crouse - D. Strome - T. Konecny
A. Beauvillier - M. Barzal - J. Gauthier
J. Quenneville - R. Chartier - J. Hawryluk
S. Watson

T. Sanheim - N. Juulsen
H. Fleury - J. Hicketts
T. Chabot - R. McKeown
B. Hickey

M. Blackwood
M. McDonald

 

[xIsle]

Pretty much the group that most of us expected. Only player that I really expected to see that isn't there is Roy... he had a bad summer camp (not as bad as McKeown) but he's been very good in league play both this year and last. Disappointed that Walman was invited, looks bad on Hockey Canada.

I agree with you especially with the lack of RH shot on defense. There is only two of them in camp.
Huge advantage for both Juulsen and Mckeown.

 

[Canada4Gold]

No Shirley? I'm devastated

How many different players that didn't even get invited to camp did that guy put on his rosters? And then had the balls to criticize other posters rosters and call them silly

anyway, why not bring 3 goalies? Don't teams have 23 roster spots? They're gonna go 13-7-2 and not bring over an extra goalie in case someone gets hurt?

 

[86Habs]

I agree with you especially with the lack of RH shot on defense. There is only two of them in camp.
Huge advantage for both Juulsen and Mckeown.

While Hicketts is LHed, he plays RD exclusively. But your point stands, Juulsen and McKeown are at a significant advantage.

Despite their underwhelming seasons, it looks like Hockey Canada is providing Perlini and Dal Colle with every opportunity to make the team. If they play up to their potential at the evaluation camp, they should play key roles on this team. Assuming everyone is playing up to (or close to) their full potential:

Dal Colle - Point - Konecny
Crouse - Strome - Marner
Beauvillier - Barzal - Gauthier
Perlini - Stephens - Hawryluk
Chartier

Final cuts: Watson, Dubois, Merkley, Quenneville

Dal Colle, assuming 2014-2015 performance, would serve as an elite triggerman for Point's playmaking while Konecny provides the elite speed and hustle on the international ice. In addition to his speed Konecny also has the offensive skillset to handle 1st line duties on presumably the first line.

Strome and Marner have chemistry from previous international tournaments and will be counted on to carry much of the offensive workload. Crouse provides the much-needed size, skating ability, and defensive acumen to this line, and can work the cycle down low with Strome.

On the third line, Beauvillier and Barzal are a proven combination, and Gauthier contributes the size and finishing ability. I was back and forth between Gauthier and Watson for this role, but ultimately like Gauthier's size on this line while really losing nothing in skating ability.

The 4th line would serve as a defensive-oriented matchup line, though each guy is offensively skilled and will also be counted on to contribute to the scoresheet. Perlini is the wildcard here; if he has a strong camp and proves himself to the coaching staff he can play up and down the lineup in all situations. Stephens and Hawryluk aren't what I would consider elite defensive players, but are both good skaters and smart enough players to take on this role. Ultimately I looked at the skating abilities of these three players, which got them the nod over Quenneville.

I like Chartier's versatility as the 13th forward as an experienced guy, and a good skater who can play any position and contribute across any of the four forward lines should anyone if the top-12 not be up to par.

Defense:
Fleury - Hicketts
Sanheim - McKeown
Dermott - Juulsen
Chabot

Not a very exciting defense group, but there are no duds here and overall its a fairly strong group. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Hickey or Walman there instead of Dermott or Chabot, though I believe the right-side is locked down (by default, given the lack of options) and Fleury and Sanheim would be very surprising cuts.

 

[tfantasy]

Both those line ups look very good. Did Walman play with the U.S development program and then turn his back on them? He could be key to bring with us when we play the Yankees.

 

[Dodospice]

What I would pick for the team, and what I think the team will look like are two different things...

I would pick:

Dal Colle- Point- Konecny
Crouse- Strome- Marner
Beauvillier- Barzal- Gauthier
Perlini- Merkley- Hawryluk
Dubois

Fleury- McKeown
Chychrun- Juulsen
Sanheim- Hicketts
Walman

Blackwood
McDonald

I think it will look like:
Dal Colle- Strome- Marner
Crouse- Point- Konecny
Perlini- Barzal- Gauthier
Beauvillier- Quenneville- Stephens
Watson

Sanheim- Hicketts
Fleury- McKeown
Chabot- Juulsen
Chychrun

Blackwood
McDonald

There is always a few surprises though, and I'm sure this year is no different. I'm excited for the camp and still consider Canada to be a Gold Medal Contender as they aren't as bad as people think... but if they didn't medal it wouldn't surprise me either.

 

[biturbo19]

It depends on injuries but I think Virtanen will be sent to the WJC. He needs some more ice time and to get some confidence offensively. His advanced stats are strong but I think the WJC would do him good. McCann on the other hand will not be sent down. But I think there will be a condition on Virtanen, much like Lazar. I'm pretty sure Ottawa only sent Lazar if he'd be tied to McDavid. I bet the Canucks will only send Virtanen if he can play with Marner.

Yeah, i'd like to see Virtanen sent to the tourny. I think there's a pretty decent chance he is sent, with the way he's been bouncing in and out of the lineup, playing limited minutes when he's in. I think it'd be good for his confidence, a good experience, and the Canucks have other wingers they can play for a month. Would be big for Canada too i think (literally and figuratively). There are a lot of small players in the mix this year, a big fast goal-scorer would be a nice complement to a lot of what we've got.

If Virtanen is loaned out, i think the smart call would be putting him alongside Brayden Point. Point is gonna be a big part of the offense, and every time Virtanen has played with him in the past there have been some real sparks. Heck, even a Crouse-Point-Virtanen line, flanking him with some twin towers would be a good combo imo.


McCann i don't see being loaned out. He's been an important part of the Canucks center depth and he's getting more minutes, and more consistent minutes. Think they'll probably want him continuing to work on his NHL positioning and play as a center.

Man this roster is one of Canada's worst in a while. There is high end talent - Marner, Strome, Barzal, but not a lot of depth, and also no stud defenceman.

Guys like Perlini, Watson, McKeown wouldnt have had a shot at the team if we had depth like last year. Really need our big guns to step up, and if Dal Colle would step it up would be massive

Agreed. On paper at least, this doesn't look like a particularly strong team. There's some real high end skill, but it's shaping up to be a very small team up front...and somewhat lacking in marquee value. I mean it's still Canada and it's still going to be a good roster...but seems a real step down from last year for sure, and probably a lot of other years.

And the blueline has a collection of decent players, but our stronger teams always have a collection of much better than decent players. And it's a group very short on tournament experience, and RH shots.

Who knows what happens, there's enough talent there to be a serious contender...just not looking like a particularly "dominant" team. Will depend a lot on how the pieces all come together. Big step back from last year's powerhouse.

 

[86Habs]

Agreed. On paper at least, this doesn't look like a particularly strong team. There's some real high end skill, but it's shaping up to be a very small team up front...and somewhat lacking in marquee value. I mean it's still Canada and it's still going to be a good roster...but seems a real step down from last year for sure, and probably a lot of other years.

And the blueline has a collection of decent players, but our stronger teams always have a collection of much better than decent players. And it's a group very short on tournament experience, and RH shots.

Who knows what happens, there's enough talent there to be a serious contender...just not looking like a particularly "dominant" team. Will depend a lot on how the pieces all come together. Big step back from last year's powerhouse.

Canada has won with a lot less talent (2006 and 2007), and lost with a lot more talent (2013). So as you said - who knows? That's part of what makes this tournament so much fun.

 

[biturbo19]

With the selection camp roster announced, based on that (and hopefully Virtanen loaned out) i'd probably go with something like:

DalColle-Strome-Marner
Crouse-Point-Virtanen
Dubois-Barzal-Konecny
Beauvillier-Quenneville-Hawryluk
*Perlini


Sanheim-McKeown
Fleury-Juulsen
Walman-Hicketts
*Chabot


Some real questionmarks though...the whole Walman thing makes me a bit uneasy, might go with someone else just to avoid that issue altogether.

DalColle...it's tough to put him on there this year, but it's also tough not to bring him based on his prior resume...i think it's a risk you take and hope he can really step up with other super skilled players like Marner and Strome. And Dubois, i probably take even though he's a relative youngin', he's probably reliable enough, mature enough game, reasonably versatile, and brings size and finishing ability that would be nice for this team.

 

[biturbo19]

Canada has won with a lot less talent (2006 and 2007), and lost with a lot more talent (2013). So as you said - who knows? That's part of what makes this tournament so much fun.

Yeah. Don't think you can ever write off Canada as anything other than serious contenders in this tournament every year...and it's always some of the most fun hockey of the year. Immensely looking forward to seeing what they can do, and you never know...Just doesn't look like the most impressive of Team Canadas in recent memory.

 

[JackSlater]

It would look bad if they handled the situation like children.

Yes yes I've seen your posts and how desperate you seemingly are for just anybody to play for team Canada. It looks pathetic, like when USA desperately tries to get Canadian players to play for them (like Canada with Chychrun actually). Canada should be above that. Walman turned his back on his national team - Canada is the country that developed him as a hockey player. Most people understand things like having pride in your nation in in your own abilities. Walman doesn't, and he doesn't belong on team Canada given his idiotic decision. I'm surprised that there are Canadian hockey fans with so little respect for Canadian hockey.

I agree with you especially with the lack of RH shot on defense. There is only two of them in camp.
Huge advantage for both Juulsen and Mckeown.

Advantage to them. I really don't understand why they didn't bring Roy. I think that McKeown and Juulsen are pretty much on the team, and the only competition is for the last two spots on the left side (after Sanheim and Fleury).

Strome and Marner have chemistry from previous international tournaments and will be counted on to carry much of the offensive workload.

Hockey Canada seems to think this, but is it really true? I don't know if they played together at the Hlinka tournament, but I saw them together in most of Ontario's games at the U17. They put up points, but I didn't find there was any noteworthy chemistry there. Just two players who happened to be a lot better than most of their opposition. I remember that Strome was incredibly confusing because he seemed to just float around and do nothing, and at the end of the night would have a goal and two assists.

Both those line ups look very good. Did Walman play with the U.S development program and then turn his back on them? He could be key to bring with us when we play the Yankees.

Walman was born and raised in Canada. He isn't eligible to play for USA, which was his goal, because he's actually spent so little time actually playing in that country.

Agreed. On paper at least, this doesn't look like a particularly strong team. There's some real high end skill, but it's shaping up to be a very small team up front...and somewhat lacking in marquee value. I mean it's still Canada and it's still going to be a good roster...but seems a real step down from last year for sure, and probably a lot of other years.

And the blueline has a collection of decent players, but our stronger teams always have a collection of much better than decent players. And it's a group very short on tournament experience, and RH shots.

Who knows what happens, there's enough talent there to be a serious contender...just not looking like a particularly "dominant" team. Will depend a lot on how the pieces all come together. Big step back from last year's powerhouse.

As has been said, there is far more offensive talent on this team than other Canadian teams that have won. People just tend to compare Canadian teams to past editions of team Canada, and since the best teams are so memorable the newest teams always come out on the losing end. This team is more offensively talented than the losing 2011 and 2014 teams, but also the winning 2006 and 2007 teams. Also probably better than the offensive talent on the winning 2008 team (remember the ages of Tavares, Stamkos).