World Cup: 2016 World Cup — Team Canada

[86Habs]

Towes as the 14th forward ? what?

Well, you need to make room for Nugent-Hopkins. Obviously.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Well, you need to make room for Nugent-Hopkins. Obviously.

No not by making towers the 14th forward

 

[86Habs]

No not by making towers the 14th forward

I was being sarcastic.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I was being sarcastic.

That's what I was hoping

 

[leafsgirl12]

Here's my team:

Tavares - Crosby - Stamkos
Hall - McDavid - Mackinnon
Benn - Getzlaf - Giroux
O'Reilly - Toews - Bergeron
Seguin, Duchene

Keith - Weber
Vlasic - Doughty
Murray - Pietrangelo
Rielly - Subban

Price
Bernier
Holtby

I Agree with Most of that

 

[JackSlater]

If there is a 2016 World Cup it will be interesting to see what the Canadian selectors emphasize. Generally they like to go for size, particularly on the smaller ice, but the generation of elite Canadians following the 2003 draft (Crosby, Toews, Stamkos, Tavares, Duchene etc.) isn't nearly as big as their predecessors (Thornton, Nash, Getzlaf, Heatley, Staal etc.) I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, as the fastest and most skilled group of forwards in the tournament should still be able to succeed. I'm curious if this lack of size will lead to calls for token big players like Lucic.

 

[Get North]

If there is a 2016 World Cup it will be interesting to see what the Canadian selectors emphasize. Generally they like to go for size, particularly on the smaller ice, but the generation of elite Canadians following the 2003 draft (Crosby, Toews, Stamkos, Tavares, Duchene etc.) isn't nearly as big as their predecessors (Thornton, Nash, Getzlaf, Heatley, Staal etc.) I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, as the fastest and most skilled group of forwards in the tournament should still be able to succeed. I'm curious if this lack of size will lead to calls for token big players like Lucic.

Benn, Getzlaf, Perry, Carter aren't small players and will likely make the team (Carter might not). We could see Johansen make his way onto the team if he continues to improve, our team overall isn't small. Toews, Marleau, Bergeron are all 6'2. I wonder about Lucic because in Sochi we had a disciplined team, I don't know if Lucic will be disciplined in 2016 but it will have NA officiating. We don't really have that many young Getzlaf sized players, Johansen is the only one I can think of who is close to that other than Lucic.

I don't know which route we will be going in terms of selecting players. In Sochi it was emphasized on players who were defensively responsible, I don't think that will be the case in 2016 although they won't pick liabilities either. I think it'll be more on skill because Canada (in my opinion) will have better players to choose from. Crosby, Stamkos, Tavares, Toews, Seguin, Benn, Getzlaf, Perry, Hall, Giroux, MacKinnon (probably) will be top 15-20 players in the NHL. I can't see any of those not being on the team so I could see a very offensive line-up yet good defensively and not win games 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, etc but more like 5-1, 4-2, 6-2, etc. Not all the players I listed are getting better but they certainly won't drop off top 20 players in the NHL either.

 

[JackSlater]

Benn, Getzlaf, Perry, Carter aren't small players and will likely make the team (Carter might not). We could see Johansen make his way onto the team if he continues to improve, our team overall isn't small. Toews, Marleau, Bergeron are all 6'2. I wonder about Lucic because in Sochi we had a disciplined team, I don't know if Lucic will be disciplined in 2016 but it will have NA officiating. We don't really have that many young Getzlaf sized players, Johansen is the only one I can think of who is close to that other than Lucic.

I don't know which route we will be going in terms of selecting players. In Sochi it was emphasized on players who were defensively responsible, I don't think that will be the case in 2016 although they won't pick liabilities either. I think it'll be more on skill because Canada (in my opinion) will have better players to choose from. Crosby, Stamkos, Tavares, Toews, Seguin, Benn, Getzlaf, Perry, Hall, Giroux, MacKinnon (probably) will be top 15-20 players in the NHL. I can't see any of those not being on the team so I could see a very offensive line-up yet good defensively and not win games 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, etc but more like 5-1, 4-2, 6-2, etc. Not all the players I listed are getting better but they certainly won't drop off top 20 players in the NHL either.

Of course there is still size available, but nothing like before. Compare a potential roster to the size of the 2010 Canadian roster and it won't be close. For whatever reason Canada's best players that have been drafted in the last decade are generally 6'2 or shorter, and not particularly heavy. It will be interesting to see how the brass responds. My hope is that they don't just try to force a player like Lucic on the team in an effort to ensure that there is some token size. I agree on Johansen and if he continues his development I think he is by far the best candidate if they look for someone to provide some size. If he can play RW (Canada's weakest position) he would be a nice addition in a sniper role.

It would be very easy for Canada to go the purely offensive route. A lot will depend on whoever picks the team. The last time Canada just picked all of the best forwards available (plus Draper/Maltby) without a clear theme in place was at the 2004 World Cup, and that team played well for the most part. My guess is that after the success in 2014 the team will once again lean to the side of defence/experience with some of its selections. I expect to see some cuts out of a group like Hall, Seguin, MacKinnon, Giroux.

 

[86Habs]

Of course there is still size available, but nothing like before. Compare a potential roster to the size of the 2010 Canadian roster and it won't be close. For whatever reason Canada's best players that have been drafted in the last decade are generally 6'2 or shorter, and not particularly heavy. It will be interesting to see how the brass responds. My hope is that they don't just try to force a player like Lucic on the team in an effort to ensure that there is some token size. I agree on Johansen and if he continues his development I think he is by far the best candidate if they look for someone to provide some size. If he can play RW (Canada's weakest position) he would be a nice addition in a sniper role.

It would be very easy for Canada to go the purely offensive route. A lot will depend on whoever picks the team. The last time Canada just picked all of the best forwards available (plus Draper/Maltby) without a clear theme in place was at the 2004 World Cup, and that team played well for the most part. My guess is that after the success in 2014 the team will once again lean to the side of defence/experience with some of its selections. I expect to see some cuts out of a group like Hall, Seguin, MacKinnon, Giroux.

Assuming some level of consistency in the management group (even with Yzerman's departure) and coaching staff, I feel that the 2016 team will look similar to the 2014 team, with a strong emphasis on defensive ability at the forward and defense positions. I personally feel that Getzlaf, Perry, Benn, and Carter provide enough size up front, considering that Crosby, Toews and Bergeron are also elite forecheckers even if they aren't the biggest guys around. Same goes for Couture, should he make the team - all three players (Toews, Bergeron, Couture) are obvously elite defensively as well. I really hope Lucic receives minimal consideration for this team; I'm biased, but I strongly feel he'd be an awful selection given the quality players we have to choose from. He's weak defensively, doesn't kill penalties, highly undisciplined, and not nearly as effective on the forecheck as the players I mentioned above. In all honesty, I'd rather see Marchand receive consideration than Lucic - he'd be a much more useful player for us IMO. Johansen would be a nice addition if he can prove that last season wasn't an aberration, and gets some playing time in at RW, but all in all we (hopefully) won't shoe-horn players onto the team simply because they're "big".

 

[JackSlater]

Assuming some level of consistency in the management group (even with Yzerman's departure) and coaching staff, I feel that the 2016 team will look similar to the 2014 team, with a strong emphasis on defensive ability at the forward and defense positions. I personally feel that Getzlaf, Perry, Benn, and Carter provide enough size up front, considering that Crosby, Toews and Bergeron are also elite forecheckers even if they aren't the biggest guys around. Same goes for Couture, should he make the team - all three players (Toews, Bergeron, Couture) are obvously elite defensively as well. I really hope Lucic receives minimal consideration for this team; I'm biased, but I strongly feel he'd be an awful selection given the quality players we have to choose from. He's weak defensively, doesn't kill penalties, highly undisciplined, and not nearly as effective on the forecheck as the players I mentioned above. In all honesty, I'd rather see Marchand receive consideration than Lucic - he'd be a much more useful player for us IMO. Johansen would be a nice addition if he can prove that last season wasn't an aberration, and gets some playing time in at RW, but all in all we (hopefully) won't shoe-horn players onto the team simply because they're "big".

I'm not worried about size. The players aren't tiny by any stretch and typically the Canadian players aren't going to have problems with physicality anyway, plus at this point none of the other teams are even capable of selecting the personnel to play an ultra physical game. I'm just hopeful that they don't go out of their way looking for size and physicality. Couture exemplifies the situation well. He could (probably should) replace Marleau, removing some size but replacing it with increased puck skills.

 

[86Habs]

I'm not worried about size. The players aren't tiny by any stretch and typically the Canadian players aren't going to have problems with physicality anyway, plus at this point none of the other teams are even capable of selecting the personnel to play an ultra physical game. I'm just hopeful that they don't go out of their way looking for size and physicality. Couture exemplifies the situation well. He could (probably should) replace Marleau, removing some size but replacing it with increased puck skills.

Yeah, I'm not concerned about size/physicality either, but if, for instance, Chiarelli becomes the executive GM and/or Julien the head coach, then there is cause for concern that they'll move towards a beefier lineup. But I don't believe that's likely.

If you look back at the 2004 WC team, they selected Morrow, then played him in 1 game (vs. the U.S.). He sat the rest of the tournament. The rosters may be expanded a bit for the World Cup, I remember them taking 15 forwards and 8 defencemen in 2004, so I guess there could be some room for taking a specialist (like Lucic). Personally, I'm more worried about their fascination with pre-existing chemistry and finding an appropriate winger for Crosby.

 

[hockeywoot]

Tavares Crosby Stamkos
Hall Seguin Mackinnon
Benn Getzlaf Giroux
Duchene Toews Bergeron
Couture

Keith Doughty
Pietrangelo Weber
Vlasic Subban
Murray

Price

 

[JackSlater]

Yeah, I'm not concerned about size/physicality either, but if, for instance, Chiarelli becomes the executive GM and/or Julien the head coach, then there is cause for concern that they'll move towards a beefier lineup. But I don't believe that's likely.

If you look back at the 2004 WC team, they selected Morrow, then played him in 1 game (vs. the U.S.). He sat the rest of the tournament. The rosters may be expanded a bit for the World Cup, I remember them taking 15 forwards and 8 defencemen in 2004, so I guess there could be some room for taking a specialist (like Lucic). Personally, I'm more worried about their fascination with pre-existing chemistry and finding an appropriate winger for Crosby.

I'm guessing that they will go with another legendary player for the lead executive position. Sakic seems the most likely (in that his situation is so similar to Yzerman's) but after the Yzerman - St. Louis debacle I don't know why he (or any GM) would want the role.

The Crosby question seems so easy now. Bergeron works at RW, let Stamkos shoot one timers from his off wing and that's it. I'm going to guess that the chemistry experiment is being perceived as a success, even though in reality the results were muddled as usual. I highly doubt that Kunitz is brought back though.

 

[86Habs]

I'm guessing that they will go with another legendary player for the lead executive position. Sakic seems the most likely (in that his situation is so similar to Yzerman's) but after the Yzerman - St. Louis debacle I don't know why he (or any GM) would want the role.

The Crosby question seems so easy now. Bergeron works at RW, let Stamkos shoot one timers from his off wing and that's it. I'm going to guess that the chemistry experiment is being perceived as a success, even though in reality the results were muddled as usual. I highly doubt that Kunitz is brought back though.

Yeah, we had a discussion around that back when Yzerman announced his resignation, and I recall Sakic being the consensus choice to succeed him, which I would have no issue with. I strongly believe the Yzerman-St. Louis situation said significantly more about St. Louis's character than it did Yzerman's, but that's a discussion for a different day. Yzerman has deservedly received the recognition and accolades that come with helping formulate back-to-back gold medal winning teams, so hopefully that serves as some sort of incentive for a young, up-and-coming executive like Sakic to be bold and take over a fairly unforgiving role.

Kunitz will be nearly 37 when the 2016 WC rolls around, so no, he won't be back. Playing Stamkos on the left side sounds great in theory, but at the 2013 World he played RW (with Giroux) and all of the mock rosters leading up to the 2014 Olympic selections had him at RW as well, with Crosby. So I'm not sure if his personal preference is to play on his "correct" wing, or a preference of the coaching staff. Assuming Stamkos stays on the right side, I've always thought Couture would look good on the left side of that line to handle all of the dirty work and shoulder the defensive load. As we know, Bergeron looks good with anyone he plays with, and in any role. But its difficult to say how things will take shape. I didn't think Kunitz looked good at all in Sochi, and Sharp and Toews were split up pretty quickly. Getzlaf and Perry stayed together, but both guys are legit stars in their own right. Maybe Duchene-O'Reilly get a look together, or Seguin-Benn...though with the logjam of elite centers that have already spoken for roster spots (Crosby, Toews, Getzlaf, Tavares), its difficult to imagine either Duchene or Seguin cracking the team at the center position.

 

[JackSlater]

Yeah, we had a discussion around that back when Yzerman announced his resignation, and I recall Sakic being the consensus choice to succeed him, which I would have no issue with. I strongly believe the Yzerman-St. Louis situation said significantly more about St. Louis's character than it did Yzerman's, but that's a discussion for a different day. Yzerman has deservedly received the recognition and accolades that come with helping formulate back-to-back gold medal winning teams, so hopefully that serves as some sort of incentive for a young, up-and-coming executive like Sakic to be bold and take over a fairly unforgiving role.

I remember the discussion, and I think even TSN may have talked about it a few months ago. I don't think there is any question that the situation reflects poorly on St. Louis as opposed to Yzerman, but it also put him in a situation that could very well have hurt his employer. The logic of picking a legend like Clarke/Gretzky/Yzerman as the face of management is in part that those players have stature such that no player can really create a scene if they aren't selected. St. Louis demonstrated that it doesn't always work. If Sakic wants to do it, then I think he has shown enough in interviews and in his brief management career with Colorado to be worthy of the job.

Kunitz will be nearly 37 when the 2016 WC rolls around, so no, he won't be back. Playing Stamkos on the left side sounds great in theory, but at the 2013 World he played RW (with Giroux) and all of the mock rosters leading up to the 2014 Olympic selections had him at RW as well, with Crosby. So I'm not sure if his personal preference is to play on his "correct" wing, or a preference of the coaching staff. Assuming Stamkos stays on the right side, I've always thought Couture would look good on the left side of that line to handle all of the dirty work and shoulder the defensive load. As we know, Bergeron looks good with anyone he plays with, and in any role. But its difficult to say how things will take shape. I didn't think Kunitz looked good at all in Sochi, and Sharp and Toews were split up pretty quickly. Getzlaf and Perry stayed together, but both guys are legit stars in their own right. Maybe Duchene-O'Reilly get a look together, or Seguin-Benn...though with the logjam of elite centers that have already spoken for roster spots (Crosby, Toews, Getzlaf, Tavares), its difficult to imagine either Duchene or Seguin cracking the team at the center position.

Stamkos played LW at the 2009 World Championships and was quite successful as a finisher. It does seem that HC was viewing him as an option at RW, but with Bergeron already a very good RW option for Crosby I would hope that they areflexible. I agree on Couture as an option for Crosby, and I think I may have even projected it in some early 2014 mocks. He's the kind of direct player that should work in theory.

The top four centre spots are probably locked up already (Crosby, Tavares, Toews, Getzlaf) which makes pairs other than Getzlaf - Perry unlikely. In theory Benn at LW with Seguin at RW is possible, as is an option with MacKinnon at RW and Duchene or O'Reilly at LW. If one of the main centres sees their play fall off it could open up a centre spot for someone like Duchene or Seguin and make one of those pairs a much more likely (though unnecessary) option.

 

[86Habs]

Stamkos played LW at the 2009 World Championships and was quite successful as a finisher. It does seem that HC was viewing him as an option at RW, but with Bergeron already a very good RW option for Crosby I would hope that they areflexible. I agree on Couture as an option for Crosby, and I think I may have even projected it in some early 2014 mocks. He's the kind of direct player that should work in theory.

The top four centre spots are probably locked up already (Crosby, Tavares, Toews, Getzlaf) which makes pairs other than Getzlaf - Perry unlikely. In theory Benn at LW with Seguin at RW is possible, as is an option with MacKinnon at RW and Duchene or O'Reilly at LW. If one of the main centres sees their play fall off it could open up a centre spot for someone like Duchene or Seguin and make one of those pairs a much more likely (though unnecessary) option.

I missed the 2009 WHCs, but its helpful to know that Stammer can in fact play the left side and has been successful doing so in the past. Its too far off to make a reasonable roster projection at this point, but all I do know is that a few exceptional players (perhaps one or more of Giroux, Seguin, Duchene, Hall, MacKinnon, etc, etc) will be left off the team once again.

 

[Get North]

Of course there is still size available, but nothing like before. Compare a potential roster to the size of the 2010 Canadian roster and it won't be close. For whatever reason Canada's best players that have been drafted in the last decade are generally 6'2 or shorter, and not particularly heavy. It will be interesting to see how the brass responds. My hope is that they don't just try to force a player like Lucic on the team in an effort to ensure that there is some token size. I agree on Johansen and if he continues his development I think he is by far the best candidate if they look for someone to provide some size. If he can play RW (Canada's weakest position) he would be a nice addition in a sniper role.

It would be very easy for Canada to go the purely offensive route. A lot will depend on whoever picks the team. The last time Canada just picked all of the best forwards available (plus Draper/Maltby) without a clear theme in place was at the 2004 World Cup, and that team played well for the most part. My guess is that after the success in 2014 the team will once again lean to the side of defence/experience with some of its selections. I expect to see some cuts out of a group like Hall, Seguin, MacKinnon, Giroux.

I don't see that much size to choose from in 2016, Johansen, Kane, Lucic are probably are best bets and only Johansen will probably get a realistic shot IMO.

 

[b in vancouver]

Stamkos Crosby Bergeron
Duchene Getzlaf Perry
Hall Toews carter
Benn Tavares Giroux
Nash E. Staal (probably not these two but I wouldn't be surprised for them both to have a resurgence)

 

[JackSlater]

I don't see that much size to choose from in 2016, Johansen, Kane, Lucic are probably are best bets and only Johansen will probably get a realistic shot IMO.

As I said size is down (not that it's needed) but there is still some available, particularly if Getzlaf remains elite. Johansen is an interesting possibility at least, and if Kane puts it together he would be an interesting option as well. If he can develop some consistency he brings some valuable assets to the wing.

 

[FosterHewitt]

2016
Stamkos- Crosby- Bergeron
Nash- Tavares- Giroux
Duchene- Toews- Carter
Benn- Getzlaf- Perry
Hall- Seguin

Keith- Weber
Vlasic- Doughty
Murray- Pietrangelo
Giordano- Subban

Price
Luongo
Bernier

2018
Stamkos- Crosby- Mackinnon
McDavid- Tavares- Reinhart
Benn- Toews- Seguin
Duchene- Johansen- Giroux
Couture- Drouin

Murray- Doughty
Vlasic- Subban
Rielly- Pietrangelo
Reinhart- Ekblad

Price
Bernier
Holtby

 

[Nuggets]

This is just a little crack at a 2016 roster, with the fact of North American ice being played on I just could not forget Milan Lucic; a solid grinder who can be effective when needed, however he HAS to keep his cool! Lucic would be a player I sit down and go over expectations with.

Stamkos - Crosby - Giroux
Toews - Tavares - Sharp
Benn - Getzlaf - Perry
Lucic - Bergeron - Couture
Hall - Duchene

Comments: I believe that Yes, there are a few names on here that I snubbed; one of them being Nathan MacKinnon; a lot of people believe he could be ready for the World Cup; however I believe he would be more effective in 2018, I would definetely have him practice with the team to get a feel for it; the same for Seguin, RNH and Jordan Eberle.

Line 1: Stamkos and Crosby on the same line just blows my mind; and with the way he is playing I believe Claude Giroux can step in and play at their level; if not, Toews steps in and Giroux plays Line 2.

Line 2: This line in my opinion is one that I threw together because it just fit! In my opinion these guys can play together at a top level; Toews and Tavares on the same line makes me scared for the other teams, do I believe Jonathan Toews is our best player? Maybe. Patrick Sharp adds a sense of veteranism; a lot of people have him snubbed; I just couldn't do it.

Line 3: Getzlaf and Perry, two of my favorite players and well, Jamie Benn with those two just makes me want the World Cup to happen.

Line 4: I added Lucic for the sake of NA ice; and who better to center him than Patrice Bergeron. Couture for me was the biggest snub on the 2016 roster and this, all in all is the only line he could mix into before 2018.

Keith - Weber
Pietrangelo - Doughty
Vlasic - Letang
Subban
Hamilton

Comments: I had to add Letang in here; I feel as if he can definetely crack this roster as his game gradually gets better. Vlasic played good at the Olympics and I just don't have the heart to remove him.


Price
Bernier
Crawford

 

[JackSlater]

2016
Stamkos- Crosby- Bergeron
Nash- Tavares- Giroux
Duchene- Toews- Carter
Benn- Getzlaf- Perry
Hall- Seguin

Keith- Weber
Vlasic- Doughty
Murray- Pietrangelo
Giordano- Subban

Price
Luongo
Bernier

This team is really good (I think that the defence is perfect) but one thing sticks out like a sore thumb at this point - Nash. He managed to perform pretty well in a hustling fourth line role, but it's really hard to imagine him on the second line in two years.

This is just a little crack at a 2016 roster, with the fact of North American ice being played on I just could not forget Milan Lucic; a solid grinder who can be effective when needed, however he HAS to keep his cool! Lucic would be a player I sit down and go over expectations with.

All of Canada's players are comfortable and suited to North American ice, so I don't see why Lucic (not one of Canada's 20 best forwards) gets any consideration.

 

[xxxx]

This is just a little crack at a 2016 roster, with the fact of North American ice being played on I just could not forget Milan Lucic; a solid grinder who can be effective when needed, however he HAS to keep his cool! Lucic would be a player I sit down and go over expectations with.

Stamkos - Crosby - Giroux
Toews - Tavares - Sharp
Benn - Getzlaf - Perry
Lucic - Bergeron - Couture
Hall - Duchene

Comments: I believe that Yes, there are a few names on here that I snubbed; one of them being Nathan MacKinnon; a lot of people believe he could be ready for the World Cup; however I believe he would be more effective in 2018, I would definetely have him practice with the team to get a feel for it; the same for Seguin, RNH and Jordan Eberle.

Line 1: Stamkos and Crosby on the same line just blows my mind; and with the way he is playing I believe Claude Giroux can step in and play at their level; if not, Toews steps in and Giroux plays Line 2.

Line 2: This line in my opinion is one that I threw together because it just fit! In my opinion these guys can play together at a top level; Toews and Tavares on the same line makes me scared for the other teams, do I believe Jonathan Toews is our best player? Maybe. Patrick Sharp adds a sense of veteranism; a lot of people have him snubbed; I just couldn't do it.

Line 3: Getzlaf and Perry, two of my favorite players and well, Jamie Benn with those two just makes me want the World Cup to happen.

Line 4: I added Lucic for the sake of NA ice; and who better to center him than Patrice Bergeron. Couture for me was the biggest snub on the 2016 roster and this, all in all is the only line he could mix into before 2018.

Keith - Weber
Pietrangelo - Doughty
Vlasic - Letang
Subban
Hamilton

Comments: I had to add Letang in here; I feel as if he can definetely crack this roster as his game gradually gets better. Vlasic played good at the Olympics and I just don't have the heart to remove him.


Price
Bernier
Crawford

I like it. I've always thought that the Toews-Crosby-Stamkos line would be amazing. Toews - great defensively, two-way player, should have no problem playing the left wing, can take important face-offs. Stamkos, the perfect shooter for Sid, you just can't ask for anyone better imo. Imagine Toews in Chicago with Crosby and Stamkos. Now imagine Stamkos in Tampa with Crosby and Toews. Now imagine Crosby in Pittsburgh with Stamkos and Toews. That would be fantastic imo. I wouldn't be afraid to do it, as we already have another checking/defensive-like players (Bergeron/Getzlaf).

Also Benn-Getzlaf-Perry.....oh boy.

I would like to see what Lucic can do with the opponent's players in international stage (big hits, etc.)

 

[JackSlater]

I like it. I've always thought that the Toews-Crosby-Stamkos line would be amazing. Toews - great defensively, two-way player, should have no problem playing the left wing, can take important face-offs. Stamkos, the perfect shooter for Sid, you just can't ask for anyone better imo. Imagine Toews in Chicago with Crosby and Stamkos. Now imagine Stamkos in Tampa with Crosby and Toews. Now imagine Crosby in Pittsburgh with Stamkos and Toews. That would be fantastic imo. I wouldn't be afraid to do it, as we already have another checking/defensive-like players (Bergeron/Getzlaf).

Why would Canada put Toews at centre? He has basically no wing experience as far as I know, he plays like a traditional centre and may not translate well to wing, and much more importantly... he has thrived for Canada at centre. Toews has been consistently excellent at both of the last two Olympics and seems to be the easiest centre to find chemistry for. There is no reason to mess with that. Replacing Toews, in a position that he is very successful, with Bergeron makes no sense when we already know that Bergeron works very well in exactly the role you want for Toews.

 

[xxxx]

This team is really good (I think that the defence is perfect) but one thing sticks out like a sore thumb at this point - Nash. He managed to perform pretty well in a hustling fourth line role, but it's really hard to imagine him on the second line in two years.



All of Canada's players are comfortable and suited to North American ice, so I don't see why Lucic (not one of Canada's 20 best forwards) gets any consideration.

I said before this season that Nash would roar back - he scored 21 goals and 42 points in 44 games in the shortened season, which is pretty good and that was his first season as a Ranger. Then, he had the concussion which certainly influenced his play and his numbers (26 goals in 65 games)

Now, he's flying out there and is maybe the best Rangers forward. To me, he's one of the best left/right wingers in the NHL.