WJC: 2016 — Canada Roster Talk

[bert]

The Leafs also had three on Team Canada in 2003 with Colaiacovo, Stajan and Wellwood.

They actually had 5, Brendan Bell and Ian White were a leaf drafts too. I loved that team in Halifax, lots of heart and more NHL talent than people gave them credit for.

Parenteau, Lupul, Bouchard, Roy, Campbell, Tootoo, Mclement, Paille, Stajan, Laich, Gordon, Upshall, Eminger and Fleury. All the forwards became NHL regulars.

 

[4thline]

Wasn't named to the Super Series roster so he is a long shot.

Oh I'm well aware he's a ridiculous long shot- don't think he's ever been involved with anything to do with hockey Canada.

Guess I phrased the question badly.

He's more of a physical two-way guy, but has among the best offensive numbers in the WHL.
is he (based on the tiny amount of hockey played so far) in the top 5-10 whl defenders overall? Is he a guy that if he keeps up his current play that could be be making a lot of noise around christmas/ at the end of the season?

Or does he just have a hot stick right now

 

[JackSlater]

Who are the best prospects for the role of defensive centre? McCann was often projected to be there, but if Vancouver doesn't release him who can fill in? Looking for competent defensive centres.

 

[86Habs]

Who are the best prospects for the role of defensive centre? McCann was often projected to be there, but if Vancouver doesn't release him who can fill in? Looking for competent defensive centres.

Connor Bleackley?

 

[JackSlater]

Connor Bleackley?

He and Quenneville are the only guys I know that are apparently more defensively oriented... and I might be wrong about Quenneville. I mostly see QMJHL players, and no one from the Q is realistic for this role.

 

[FLYguy3911]

Oh I'm well aware he's a ridiculous long shot- don't think he's ever been involved with anything to do with hockey Canada.

Guess I phrased the question badly.

He's more of a physical two-way guy, but has among the best offensive numbers in the WHL.
is he (based on the tiny amount of hockey played so far) in the top 5-10 whl defenders overall? Is he a guy that if he keeps up his current play that could be be making a lot of noise around christmas/ at the end of the season?

Or does he just have a hot stick right now

I think it's too little, too late kind of deal for him- especially in the WHL where they are loaded with good looking D prospects. The Super Series is kind of a last showcase to get invited for the winter camp. If he were a 97, I'd say he could probably get on the radar for next year, but as a late 96, he's in a tough spot.

 

[86Habs]

He and Quenneville are the only guys I know that are apparently more defensively oriented... and I might be wrong about Quenneville. I mostly see QMJHL players, and no one from the Q is realistic for this role.

This may be the year where we need to put players in roles they're not specifically used to, moreso than relying on pure defensive acumen. For instance, Travis Konecny and Michael Dal Colle are solid defensive players...not normally guys you'd lean on in shut down roles, but they may be asked to pitch in a bit more this year than in previous years. Dal Colle especially has been through a lot and was the best or second-best (Cassels) forward on the Memorial Cup champs. He's off to a slow start, though. I'd still like to see McCann released, which would solve those kinds of problems.

 

[JackSlater]

This may be the year where we need to put players in roles they're not specifically used to, moreso than relying on pure defensive acumen. For instance, Travis Konecny and Michael Dal Colle are solid defensive players...not normally guys you'd lean on in shut down roles, but they may be asked to pitch in a bit more this year than in previous years. Dal Colle especially has been through a lot and was the best or second-best (Cassels) forward on the Memorial Cup champs. He's off to a slow start, though. I'd still like to see McCann released, which would solve those kinds of problems.

I'm not familiar with Dall Colle's defensive work (his scoring this year and his summer camp are scary thoughh) but Konecny is fine. Crouse is someone who can succeed in that role as well, given that he's already done it. Crouse and Dal Colle are wingers, though I guess Konecny can play centre even if he projects as a winger in the NHL. Ideally the spot isn't devoted to a one dimensional defensive player, but this seems like a year where most of the best available players are purely offensive players.

 

[86Habs]

I'm not familiar with Dall Colle's defensive work (his scoring this year and his summer camp are scary thoughh) but Konecny is fine. Crouse is someone who can succeed in that role as well, given that he's already done it. Crouse and Dal Colle are wingers, though I guess Konecny can play centre even if he projects as a winger in the NHL. Ideally the spot isn't devoted to a one dimensional defensive player, but this seems like a year where most of the best available players are purely offensive players.

Indeed. Not sure what is up with MDC, but it is worrying. Crouse is an obvious defensive possibility at the wing. In the absence of a McCann or a Bleackley/Quenneville (who I don't see enough of to opine on his defensive play), I'd be OK with a strong possession player like Strome at center, flanked by some combination of Crouse/Konecny/Perlini who are good-to-excellent skaters and defensively responsible.

 

[Get North]

Who are the best prospects for the role of defensive centre? McCann was often projected to be there, but if Vancouver doesn't release him who can fill in? Looking for competent defensive centres.

I think Daniel Audette and Clark Bishop are some Q players who could fit in that defensive role especially on that big ice. Both skate well, tough and relentless in the corners, and head-up hockey players. As mentioned, Crouse is a great defensive winger at this age, he plays in a defensive system with the Frontenacs. I think Hawryluk can play defensive role RW, Konecny was mentioned but the way he's playing I'd rather have him in a scoring role.

 

[JackSlater]

I think Daniel Audette and Clark Bishop are some Q players who could fit in that defensive role especially on that big ice. Both skate well, tough and relentless in the corners, and head-up hockey players. As mentioned, Crouse is a great defensive winger at this age, he plays in a defensive system with the Frontenacs. I think Hawryluk can play defensive role RW, Konecny was mentioned but the way he's playing I'd rather have him in a scoring role.

Good call on Hawryluk... he looked good in the summer, and he's scoring some points this year. I expect HC to pick him at the very least for fourth line wing duty.

 

[Elias Pettersson]

I don't think Canada will be getting Jared McCann for the WJC. They will probably get Jake Virtanen tho.

 

[xxxx]

how's the situation with Bennett? I don't expect him in the line up, but just asking.

 

[JackSlater]

http://www.tsn.ca/the-kids-are-alright-1.384231

McKenzie wrote about the eligible players that are still in the NHL, and also about Ho Sang not being included in the super series roster. Seems to me like he thinks Fabbri and McCann will stay up.

 

[Canucks LB]

Would be huge if Canada get's McCann and Virtanen for the WJC.

 

[1Gold Standard]

http://www.tsn.ca/the-kids-are-alright-1.384231

McKenzie wrote about the eligible players that are still in the NHL, and also about Ho Sang not being included in the super series roster. Seems to me like he thinks Fabbri and McCann will stay up.

Ya, missing that type of firepower, Canada is going to be real underdogs this year. It's going to take some masterful coaching and some out of this world miraculous goaltending to repeat this year. Should be fun. I'm trying to adopt True Hockey Fan's everything is awesome disposition and when it rains it rains skittles.

B PERLINI B POINT M MARNER
M DAL COLLE M BARZAL T KONECNY
L CROUSE D STROME J GAUTHIER
A BEAUVILLIER R CHARTIER J HAWRYLUK

D SADOWY C BLEACKLEY S WATSON

T SANHEIM A CARRIER
J HICKETTS/T CHABOT N JUULSEN (97)
B HICKEY/ V DUNN J ROY (97)
H FLEURY M SPENCER (97)

M MCDONALD
M BLACKWOOD
C BOOTH


Not sure on the 13th forward and a couple of the LH D-men. And I hope Dal Colle can get his **** together. With the team having so many underagers I'd say that sets us up nicely for 2017 back in Toronto/Montreal, but NHL GMs will just ruin those plans.

 

[tade]

Ya, missing that type of firepower, Canada is going to be real underdogs this year. It's going to take some masterful coaching and some out of this world miraculous goaltending to repeat this year. Should be fun. I'm trying to adopt True Hockey Fan's everything is awesome disposition and when it rains it rains skittles.

Absolutely disagree with this, sure goaltending will have to be great but Canada will be huge favourite for gold medal as they are basically each year.

I mean players like Strome, Dal Colle, Barzal, Konecny, Point, Marner, Crouse, Chychrun, Fleury, Sanheim are among top hockey prospects in the world for their draft classes. Not counting with possible additions like Virtanen or Fabbri. Come on now...

They will need to play at high level and stick together as a one team but to call them "underdogs" is just weird to me...

 

[1Gold Standard]

Absolutely disagree with this, sure goaltending will have to be great but Canada will be huge favourite for gold medal as they are basically each year.

I mean players like Strome, Dal Colle, Barzal, Konecny, Point, Marner, Crouse, Chychrun, Fleury, Sanheim are among top hockey prospects in the world for their draft classes. Not counting with possible additions like Virtanen or Fabbri. Come on now...

They will need to play at high level and stick together as a one team but to call them "underdogs" is just weird to me...

Ok, you convinced me!~ Go Canada Go! 2-peat and then go for the troika in 2017! LOL.

Seriously though, I wouldn't make any team that's 50% underage as prohibitive favorites. And Canada is not the heavy favorite every year. just most years. This year missing some TOP END Elite players....means I don't quite see it as you do. But you like your Canadian Philly prospects, I understand.

Oh, and I doubt Chychrun makes the team. He may get an invite to camp based on how he performs in the SSS, but color me shocked if he makes the trip to Finland. unless politics plays a role and Hockey Canada wants to get him in a Canadian jersey ASAP. Hockey Canada has been known to do that on occasion.

 

[JackSlater]

Ya, missing that type of firepower, Canada is going to be real underdogs this year. It's going to take some masterful coaching and some out of this world miraculous goaltending to repeat this year. Should be fun. I'm trying to adopt True Hockey Fan's everything is awesome disposition and when it rains it rains skittles.

B PERLINI B POINT M MARNER
M DAL COLLE M BARZAL T KONECNY
L CROUSE D STROME J GAUTHIER
A BEAUVILLIER R CHARTIER J HAWRYLUK

D SADOWY C BLEACKLEY S WATSON

T SANHEIM A CARRIER
J HICKETTS/T CHABOT N JUULSEN (97)
B HICKEY/ V DUNN J ROY (97)
H FLEURY M SPENCER (97)

M MCDONALD
M BLACKWOOD
C BOOTH


Not sure on the 13th forward and a couple of the LH D-men. And I hope Dal Colle can get his **** together. With the team having so many underagers I'd say that sets us up nicely for 2017 back in Toronto/Montreal, but NHL GMs will just ruin those plans.

I don't think it will take a miracle. It isn't an overwhelming team, but the talent is definitely there. We have almost the exact same players...

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

Sanheim Juulsen
Fleury Roy
Dunn Carrier
Vande Sompel

McDonald
Blackwood
Booth (investment for 2017)

Top line had Canada's best forward in Point and two way play plus size/speed from Crouse/Konecny. Second line has Barzal to do a bit of everything, Marner to light it up and Perlini to bring some size and finishing. Third line is a possession line. I'm not a big fan of how Strome plays, but with players missing they need his talent. Surrounded him with shifty, quick players. Beauvillier in particular is someone I have high hopes for. Fourth line is the closest thing to a defensive line. Gauthier was terrible in the summer exhibitions, but the talent is there. Dal Colle just has to put it together... he's done enough in junior to justify making the team, but his start sucks this year and his summer play was not good.

Sanheim and Fleury look like the best available defencemen. Juulsen is solid all around. I'm a big Roy fan despite his poor summer camp. Dunn and Carrier provides a bit of everything, and Vande Sompel gives extra puck moving. Kind of a small defensive group, but for international hockey I much rather have puck movers.

 

[1Gold Standard]

I don't think it will take a miracle. It isn't an overwhelming team, but the talent is definitely there. We have almost the exact same players...

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

Sanheim Juulsen
Fleury Roy
Dunn Carrier
Vande Sompel

McDonald
Blackwood
Booth (investment for 2017)

Top line had Canada's best forward in Point and two way play plus size/speed from Crouse/Konecny. Second line has Barzal to do a bit of everything, Marner to light it up and Perlini to bring some size and finishing. Third line is a possession line. I'm not a big fan of how Strome plays, but with players missing they need his talent. Surrounded him with shifty, quick players. Beauvillier in particular is someone I have high hopes for. Fourth line is the closest thing to a defensive line. Gauthier was terrible in the summer exhibitions, but the talent is there. Dal Colle just has to put it together... he's done enough in junior to justify making the team, but his start sucks this year and his summer play was not good.

Sanheim and Fleury look like the best available defencemen. Juulsen is solid all around. I'm a big Roy fan despite his poor summer camp. Dunn and Carrier provides a bit of everything, and Vande Sompel gives extra puck moving. Kind of a small defensive group, but for international hockey I much rather have puck movers.

even with the missing NHLers, I certainly like this year's team more than the 2014 tournament. I was all doom and gloom leading up to that tournament... it will be interesting...an honest effort and some good ole Canadian tic-tac-tao will make for a merry Christmas for sure. I am expecting McDonald to be the best goaltender in the tourney.

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Canucks have said that Virtanen and McCann are both going to be staying with the team, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see whether either is released for the tournament.

 

[Tkachuk Norris]

how's the situation with Bennett? I don't expect him in the line up, but just asking.

He's been probably the Flames third best forward(Gaudreau, Frolik) to this point in the season. And he's got 4 points in his last 3 games.
Can't see any scenario where he gets lent to Canada. Unless the Flames lose a ton of games.

 

[leaflover]

Juulsen should be in the running. He's a solid all around player.

 

[JackSlater]

Oh, and I doubt Chychrun makes the team. He may get an invite to camp based on how he performs in the SSS, but color me shocked if he makes the trip to Finland. unless politics plays a role and Hockey Canada wants to get him in a Canadian jersey ASAP. Hockey Canada has been known to do that on occasion.

I think Chychrun will be selected. He seems to be playing well, the defensive group is not overly strong this year and I do think politics will help him.

Canucks have said that Virtanen and McCann are both going to be staying with the team, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see whether either is released for the tournament.

I really don't know why they are keeping Virtanen.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Not sure how McDonald is still ahead of Blackwood at this point. One has been elite and the other average. Barrie allows 33.7 shots per game and are only 9 - 6 because of him.