World Cup: 2016 World Cup — Team Canada

[JackSlater]

That's my expectation as well (unfortunately). The guy is the epitome of organization and preparedness, and getting the most out of his players. Who do you think will replace him? Off the Sochi coaching staff, I don't think Ruff or Hitchock are viable options personally, and I wouldn't be thrilled with Julien as head coach (though he'd be fine in an assistant role). Alain Vigneault is a name that comes to mind pretty quickly for me, as is Todd McLellan. McLellan lost quite a bit of his appeal, in my view, after the Sharks' collapse in the first round, but he does come from the Babcock school of coaching so you'd think there would be a smooth transition in terms of style and systems.

What about Darryl Sutter? He'll be 58 years old in 2016, and Hockey Canada may want to establish some continuity in the coaching staff so age may be a limiting factor with him. No question he has the Kings firing on all cylinders right now though, eh. Other than that, the only names that come to mind are Trotz, Tippett, and Quenneville. The first two probably lack the big game (i.e., Cup finals) experience at this point in their careers to head up a best-on-best Canadian team, and personally I haven't been a fan of Quenneville's coaching in these particular playoffs. He'd certainly be a viable candidate too, though.

I don't think Ruff or Hitchcock are potential head coaches (or at least I hope given their head coaching performances for Canada) and I agree that Julien is more of a useful assistant. He did good work with the PK in 2014 and it's hard to argue with how Canada's forwards bought in defensively. I never considered MacLellan as a potential coach... no reason why really.

I like Vigneault for the most part, and he certainly looks good at the moment with how New York (and Vancouver) performed this year. My only issue is that I don't think he has any international experience. He also has his teams play in a different manner than recent editions of Canada, though that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Same issue for Quenneville when it comes to international experience. I didn't like Tippett's result this year, though he (along with Trotz) at least has some international experience. Darryl Sutter is an interesting choice, and the Kings arguably play a similar style to what Canada demonstrated in 2014. I could have seen them looking at Brent Sutter if he had better results in his last two international tournaments.

If I had to put money on it, I would guess that Julien gets the nod if Babcock walks away. There are lots of potential options, other than Babcock Canada's best NHL coaches lack international experience.

 

[Get North]

2018 Olympics:

McDavid - Crosby - Bergeron
Tavares - Toews - Stamkos
Giroux - Getzlaf - Perry
Benn - Seguin - MacKinnon
Carter/Duchene

Keith - Weber
Murray - Doughty
Vlasic - Pietrangelo
Ekblad/Subban

Price
Jones
Holtby

If it's 2016 then replace Ekblad with Hamhuis or Bouwmeester and McDavid with Sharp but move Sharp to the 3rd line and move everybody up one. Also, replace Jones with Smith.

I agree we'll be become better than most teams, USA might add Eichel, a better JVR but guys like Backes, Callahan, Brown, Kesler, Pavelski will regress significantly IMO and their skill level will drop. And they add J.J, E.J, Yandle, Ryan, Stepan, Saad, Galchenyuk. I don't see them keeping up with Canada. Russia is another team, Datsyuk will slow down, Ovechkin won't be better, Kovie won't be better, Malkin will stay around the same pace, Semin will slow down aswell, they got Nichushkin, Tarasenko and Yakupov to show for it but that won't be enough. Most importantly though, their defense. Markov might not be there, Voynov will get better but the rest of the guys aren't that great. Kulikov and Zadorov won't be able to hold the load. Russians might be in trouble in the next couple international best on best tournaments.

Sweden is producing some good talent in Forsberg, Landeskog, Nyquist, Lindholm, Wennberg, Burakovsky, Zibanejad. They all look good but can they replace Zetterberg, The Sedins? And will Lundqvist still be a great goaltender? Finland has some nice talent aswell, Barkov, Ristolainen, Teravainen, Maatta, Granlund, that talent will help lead a team.

 

[m4tt145]

Sweden is producing some good talent in Forsberg, Landeskog, Nyquist, Lindholm, Wennberg, Burakovsky, Zibanejad. They all look good but can they replace Zetterberg, The Sedins? And will Lundqvist still be a great goaltender?

I think we have players that can replace Z and Sedins in 2018, but it's hard to say. D will be very good.

 

[SH15]

With all due respect to the other nations, I think they are in for a world of hurt in the coming years of International play (best on best).

Canada will be adding ELITE talents like Stamkos, MacKinnon, Hall, Seguin. And McDavid, while I don't expect to be on 2016, will be one of the best players in the NHL by 2018. Who are the other squads adding? There are some great young players from other nations, but not on that level.

Those who say not so fast for Canada based on the recent WJHC drought, let's not forget the age-old yet true argument of who is NOT there for Canada every single year.

Here is my Team Canada 2016 World Cup Squad

Giroux-Crosby-Stamkos
Tavares-Toews-MacKinnon
Hall-Getzlaf-Duchene
Seguin-Bergeron-Perry
Eberle/Nugent-Hopkins

Keith-Weber
Doughty-Pietrangelo
Subban-Giordano
Vlasic

Price
Bernier
Smith

 

[JackSlater]

Those who say not so fast for Canada based on the recent WJHC drought, let's not forget the age-old yet true argument of who is NOT there for Canada every single year.

The WJC drought is an annoyance, but it mainly demonstrates Canada's poor goaltender development as opposed to talent issues. In terms of talent, the teams since 2010 are quite comparable to what came before them, and in some cases stronger. Just looking since Canada last won the WJC in 2009, guys like Stamkos, Tavares, Duchene, Hall, Seguin, MacKinnon and many others have all missed tournaments for which they were eligible. That said... Canada should still get around to winning the WJC soon.

 

[Get North]

With all due respect to the other nations, I think they are in for a world of hurt in the coming years of International play (best on best).

Canada will be adding ELITE talents like Stamkos, MacKinnon, Hall, Seguin. And McDavid, while I don't expect to be on 2016, will be one of the best players in the NHL by 2018. Who are the other squads adding? There are some great young players from other nations, but not on that level.

Those who say not so fast for Canada based on the recent WJHC drought, let's not forget the age-old yet true argument of who is NOT there for Canada every single year.

I agree completely. Some teams will improve but not at the point that Canada will improve at. USA can add Eichel, Hanifin but they'll lose plenty of players like Backes, Callahan, Martin, Brown, Orpik, Miller. Some players will be getting worse (not better), Kesler, Pavelski, Parise, Stastny, Suter. Also, USA came in 4th so I wonder where they'll finish next time the way it looks for them, I may be underrating them but I'm going off future drafts and their young Americans. Russia is in trouble, no one is replacing Datsyuk and their defense has no one stepping up.

I can see Canada running away with #1 hockey nation in the world.

I think we have players that can replace Z and Sedins in 2018, but it's hard to say. D will be very good.

Sweden will definitely have the depth on forward and on defense it looks good with OEL, Karlsson, Kylington, Edler, Hedman, Lindholm, Kronwall.

 

[leafsfan5]

unless he becomes very good all around Justin Schultz wont sniff the world cup

 

[Brainiac]

A big LOL at all these lineups with Murray, Ekblad, Rielly on defense.

 

[YMCMBYOLO]

A big LOL at all these lineups with Murray, Ekblad, Rielly on defense.

I could see Murray making it, the dude was a "veteran" presence for Columbus this past season.

 

[JackSlater]

I could see Murray making it, the dude was a "veteran" presence for Columbus this past season.

Very good rookie year, very good skater, good for Canada internationally before, and plays on the weaker side for Canada's defence. At the 2018 Olympics he'll be the same age as Doughty, Subban and Pietrangelo were in 2014.

 

[86Habs]

World Cup 2016:

Duchene - Crosby - Stamkos
Tavares - Toews - Carter
Benn - Getzlaf - Perry
Couture/Hall - Giroux - Bergeron

Keith - Weber
Vlasic - Doughty
Bouwmeester - Pietrangelo
Subban

Price
Bernier

Extras: MacKinnon, Giordano, Fleury

 

[Get North]

World Cup 2016:

Duchene - Crosby - Stamkos
Tavares - Toews - Carter
Benn - Getzlaf - Perry
Couture/Hall - Giroux - Bergeron

Keith - Weber
Vlasic - Doughty
Bouwmeester - Pietrangelo
Subban

Price
Bernier

Extras: MacKinnon, Giordano, Fleury

That looks good but I'd have Seguin somewhere in there.

 

[JackSlater]

That looks good but I'd have Seguin somewhere in there.

The forwards are comically loaded.

 

[86Habs]

That looks good but I'd have Seguin somewhere in there.

Seguin, Johansen and O'Reilly are the three forwards I really wanted to fit in the lineup, but couldn't find room for.

 

[YMCMBYOLO]

Seguin, Johansen and O'Reilly are the three forwards I really wanted to fit in the lineup, but couldn't find room for.

You think O'Reilly is good enough to make TC?!?

I don't see it.. don't think he'll ever make TC outside of the WHC.

 

[Get North]

The forwards are comically loaded.

Yeah the talent level is higher than ever and only going up!

 

[JackSlater]

You think O'Reilly is good enough to make TC?!?

I don't see it.. don't think he'll ever make TC outside of the WHC.

O'Reilly could be a great fit for Canada. He brings a great defensive game and could compete for Selke trophies in the near future. Scored 65 points this year as part of a pretty balanced attack. Extremely disciplined. Most importantly he played wing this past year, which shows the kind of versatility that Canada needs from forwards. Canada isn't loaded with defensively elite scoring wingers.

 

[Mr Lebowski]

2016

Tavares - Crosby - Stamkos
Benn - Getzlaf - Perry
Duchene - Toews - Giroux
Bergeron - Seguin - Carter
Couture - MacKinnon

Keith - Weber
Vlasic - Doughty
Bouwmeester - Peiterangleo
Giordano - Subban

Price
Bernier
Smith

 

[YMCMBYOLO]

O'Reilly could be a great fit for Canada. He brings a great defensive game and could compete for Selke trophies in the near future. Scored 65 points this year as part of a pretty balanced attack. Extremely disciplined. Most importantly he played wing this past year, which shows the kind of versatility that Canada needs from forwards. Canada isn't loaded with defensively elite scoring wingers.

Very true, however, (this is a personal preference), I think only Bergeron or O'Reilly goes, not both. Especially since Bergeron played wing for the majority of the time in Sochi IIRC.

2016

Tavares - Crosby - Stamkos
Benn - Getzlaf - Perry
Duchene - Toews - Giroux
Bergeron - Seguin - Carter
Couture - MacKinnon

Keith - Weber
Vlasic - Doughty
Bouwmeester - Peiterangleo
Giordano - Subban

Price
Bernier
Smith

I definitely like your roster and it is almost identical to mine. However, I would much rather put in Couture at centre than Seguin.

I'd like to see Lucic get looked at, considering we are in NA and the ice size is considerably smaller.

 

[Mr Lebowski]

Very true, however, (this is a personal preference), I think only Bergeron or O'Reilly goes, not both. Especially since Bergeron played wing for the majority of the time in Sochi IIRC.



I definitely like your roster and it is almost identical to mine. However, I would much rather put in Couture at centre than Seguin.

I'd like to see Lucic get looked at, considering we are in NA and the ice size is considerably smaller.

I considerd Lucic over Carter and I think that'll be the battle

 

[Mr Lebowski]

2018

Tavares - Crosby - Stamkos
Giroux - McDavid - MacKinnon
Benn - Getzlaf - Perry
O'Reilly - Seguin - Duchene
Couture - Drouin

Keith - Weber
Vlasic - Doughty
Murray - Peiterangleo
Ekblad - Subban

Price
Bernier
Fucale

 

[JackSlater]

I'm skeptical that Tavares will play the wing for Canada in the near future. In 2014 Canada already installed Tavares as one of the four centres, and he should be better in two or four years. Crosby isn't being moved from centre, and Toews isn't either. Getzlaf is unlikely to be moved from centre, but it is also quite possible for Tavares to pass Getzlaf on the depth chart before long. We know that Duchene is behind Tavares on Canada's depth chart. Bergeron was moved to wing. Stamkos was expected to move to wing. Guys like Seguin and MacKinnon would be hard pressed to supplant Tavares, and both have experience at wing. Giroux is a possibility, but he also has more wing experience than Tavares. It is difficult to imagine anyone other than Crosby, Getzlaf, Tavares and Toews as Canada's centres if there is a 2016 tournament, and in 2018 I can't see anyone replacing Crosby, Toews or Tavares at centre.

 

[86Habs]

I'm skeptical that Tavares will play the wing for Canada in the near future. In 2014 Canada already installed Tavares as one of the four centres, and he should be better in two or four years. Crosby isn't being moved from centre, and Toews isn't either. Getzlaf is unlikely to be moved from centre, but it is also quite possible for Tavares to pass Getzlaf on the depth chart before long. We know that Duchene is behind Tavares on Canada's depth chart. Bergeron was moved to wing. Stamkos was expected to move to wing. Guys like Seguin and MacKinnon would be hard pressed to supplant Tavares, and both have experience at wing. Giroux is a possibility, but he also has more wing experience than Tavares. It is difficult to imagine anyone other than Crosby, Getzlaf, Tavares and Toews as Canada's centres if there is a 2016 tournament, and in 2018 I can't see anyone replacing Crosby, Toews or Tavares at centre.

Tough to say. What you say is 100% true of course. For me, it comes down to ice time. I don't have my ice time notes handy at the moment, but if memory serves Tavares was getting in the neighbourhood of 8 - 11 mins per game before he was injured in Sochi. The Tavares line was a true 4th line, in that they received noticeably less minutes than the top 3 lines - a slight change from 2010 when the minutes were dolled out in a more even fashion amongst the forwards. I'm assuming the 2014 philosophy gets applied going forward. Obviously this was Tavares's first best-on-best tournament so Babcock handled him gently at the outset (and we don't know how much ice time he would have received if not injured, but if Duchene's ice time is any indication, ~10 mins would be the max).

We do know that Tavares has experience (and has been successful) at wing playing for Canada internationally. For me, slotting Tavares in at LW on one of the top two lines is all about providing one of our best players a substantial amount of ice time with the highest-quality linemates; not to say he's "wasted" in a 4th line role, but I'd prefer to see a Duchene/Couture/Giroux/Seguin in that role instead. With our ridiculous depth at center, keeping Tavares at center also means one or more of those guys (or, a LW like Hall or RW like MacKinnon who would get bumped to make room for one of the above) gets left off. I see where you're coming from, though.

 

[86Habs]

O'Reilly could be a great fit for Canada. He brings a great defensive game and could compete for Selke trophies in the near future. Scored 65 points this year as part of a pretty balanced attack. Extremely disciplined. Most importantly he played wing this past year, which shows the kind of versatility that Canada needs from forwards. Canada isn't loaded with defensively elite scoring wingers.

And I agree with this. O'Reilly finished 6th in Selke voting last night, which is a great result for him. And, like you said, he scored 65 points predominantly on a line with Duchene. Those two players seem to have developed some great chemistry over the past couple of seasons. He may or may not ever make a best-on-best Team Canada, and in the end its a numbers game for guys like him that are on the bubble, but he certainly possesses a lot of the qualities that would make him very useful in a bottom 6 role for us.

 

[JackSlater]

Tough to say. What you say is 100% true of course. For me, it comes down to ice time. I don't have my ice time notes handy at the moment, but if memory serves Tavares was getting in the neighbourhood of 8 - 11 mins per game before he was injured in Sochi. The Tavares line was a true 4th line, in that they received noticeably less minutes than the top 3 lines - a slight change from 2010 when the minutes were dolled out in a more even fashion amongst the forwards. I'm assuming the 2014 philosophy gets applied going forward. Obviously this was Tavares's first best-on-best tournament so Babcock handled him gently at the outset (and we don't know how much ice time he would have received if not injured, but if Duchene's ice time is any indication, ~10 mins would be the max).

We do know that Tavares has experience (and has been successful) at wing playing for Canada internationally. For me, slotting Tavares in at LW on one of the top two lines is all about providing one of our best players a substantial amount of ice time with the highest-quality linemates; not to say he's "wasted" in a 4th line role, but I'd prefer to see a Duchene/Couture/Giroux/Seguin in that role instead. With our ridiculous depth at center, keeping Tavares at center also means one or more of those guys (or, a LW like Hall or RW like MacKinnon who would get bumped to make room for one of the above) gets left off. I see where you're coming from, though.

I don't doubt the logic of putting Tavares in that position in order to ensure ice time, I just doubt its likelihood. I can also see the ice time issue becoming moot by 2018, as Tavares would probably centre the second line. I've long been curious about Tavares as Crosby's LW if there is a Bergeron type on the RW.

When it comes to Tavares, I struggle to figure out who would be an ideal linemate for him. For Crosby there is Bergeron and maybe Stamkos or maybe Duchene, Getzlaf has a given and Perry and seemingly another good fit in Benn. Toews seems to work with everyone. Tavares seems to get the scraps (not that they are bad scraps) so I am curious about what kind of player seems to be most effective with him. I'm thinking one player to do the dirty work (like a Benn) and another player to work as a shooter and maybe bring some speed (like a Seguin) but who knows.