WC: 2017 Team Canada

[xxxx]

holes on the wing, in the sense that only 2 or 3 wingers were on the team. Now, I didn't watch, but didn't Jumbo Joe play LW? And with all due respect to Joe and the career he has had, Hall would have been the better and more deserving option... and checking Joe's stats - 1 goal 1 assist in 6 games! Ya, come on!

Yeah I know, but it implies like there is a need for a LW, which isn't the case really.

I think Thornton played primarily at center, but his line was exchanging positions a few times I believe.. (he played with Duchene and O'Reilly most of the times).

I'm not sure about neither the "better" or "more deserving" option...Thornton was coming from a great playoff performance, and I personally don't care about the IIHF tournaments that much for them to actually outweight the NHL playoffs. Thornton was absolutely deserving of the spot imo, and he played fairly well in the tournament. If anything, it's Duchene who made the team over Hall imo, and he was equally as deserving as Hall I would say. Of course that if someone wants to make a case for Hall, there it is, you can.

 

[JackSlater]

Gotcha.

I actually am pretty confident he will go.

Is there anything to base that confidence on? I dno't know that much about Scheifele other than seeing some Winnipeg fans fawn over his work ethic. That is a positive of course.

Many holes?

Yes, there were a number of players who didn't go on the wing, at least Seguin, Benn and Carter, and Hall still didn't get the call. That's 8 winger spots, plus thirteenth forward, plus three other spots due to injury, plus no option of selecting players 23 and under, and he still didn't get selected. Hockey Canada is under no obligation to select him, but it is easy to understand that he would be displeased when he remains so low on the depth chart. It's not unreasonable to think that Hockey Canada considers Hall lower than perhaps 15th among national team winger options based on the World Cup selections.

The let's not wait for the 1st. rd. to be over team. Take 23 guys and do the mini 4 day pre-tourney camp in Europe...

If Bailey struggles, swap him out for Skinner. If Kane struggles (which I think he will) move ROR to LW, Scheifele to C and Reinhart at RW. or alternatively, a ROR CARTER SCHEIFELE 2nd. line just may be the line to deliver the goods the entire tournament. Optimistic that Carter plays, as he hasn't played a WC since 06. There aren't too many international tourneys left to be played for Jeff. A tad over-optimistic that Doughty plays, but perhaps Carter and Muzzin twist his arm. Who knows?

There are still roster spots, so if say a McDavid is available, and he does the Sid Crosby phone call to HC to say he wants to play, then HC has to make room, right? They can't say no.


J BAILEY/ J SKINNER J TAVARES J CARTER
E KANE R O’REILLY M SCHEIFELE/ S REINHART
J DROUIN B HORVAT A MANTHA
J HUBERDEAU J MARCHESSAULT B SCHENN


J MUZZIN D DOUGHTY
B HUTTON C TANEV
M MATHESON D SEVERSON
J DEMERS


C WARD
S MASON

Pretty optimistic. I don't really like Marchessault. As for Carter, he has skipped the tournament in recent years, and for some reason I know that his wife had a baby during this season. I don't really expect him. He would be a welcome addition of course. I would keep around five spots for the conclusion of the first round.

What do you think about Simmonds?

Very good player, though probably a better fit for NHL hockey than international hockey considering his best skill is net play. Still a welcome addition to this team.

J BENN J TAVARES T.SEGUIN
J CARTER C. GIROUX M SCHEIFELE
T. HALL O’REILLY M. DUCHENE
J DROUIN B HORVAT W.SIMMOMDS
T.PEARSON

+ 2 spots after first rounds SC

McDavid or Marner

J MUZZIN D DOUGHTY
B HUTTON C TANEV
M MATHESON D SEVERSON

Bear12Good, you are ever the optimist.

 

[jj cale]

I thought Jumbo Joe was o.k at the tournament, not great by any means but had some pros and cons. I liked some of his work and smarts along the boards during the games and he was absolutely essential in sending a message to the U.S that they were dreaming if they thought they could ever bully us when he knocked out that idiot Kesler in the prelim game, the U.S was never a threat to us or anyone after that and just crumbled as a team and that is always a good thing when you can do away with the Americans early. At other times I though he dragged plays down going through the neutral zone and into the o-zone with his lack of footspeed. He was a bit of a mixed bag to me but overall he did not acquit himself too bad I thought.

 

[jj cale]

Is there anything to base that confidence on? I dno't know that much about Scheifele other than seeing some Winnipeg fans fawn over his work ethic. That is a positive of course.



.

Only conjecture but I think it is sound conjecture. It is purely a hunch based on what you mention here and the fact that he is very young, not some star vet who thinks this tournament is yesterdays news for him and I suspect he will want to make up for a disappointing season with the jets, carry on the roll of his breakthrough season and make a real go of a three peat for Canada at this thing. Those guys all really looked like they had fun last year and I think Scheifle will still want to be a part of that at this stage of his career and the present circumstances he and Canada find themselves in with this tournament.

Remember also, Scheif is a legitimate olympic TC candidate too now but still a bubble guy, he may think a great performance as a leading light with this team on the big ice this year can only bode well for his chances should the NHL go to S. Korea. It certainly couldn't hurt that is for sure.

I am reasonably confident he will go.

 

[jj cale]

I assume if the buds don't make the postseason dance Marners a slam dunk no?

 

[Bear12Good]

I hope Canada will sent in Paris good roster)

 

[LeafChief]

I assume if the buds don't make the postseason dance Marners a slam dunk no?

One would think so.

 

[ShanShan]

Is there anything to base that confidence on? I dno't know that much about Scheifele other than seeing some Winnipeg fans fawn over his work ethic. That is a positive of course.

Scheifele is one of my favourite players. I love watching him blossom to the player he has become today. I will say he will go if he's named to the team. Barring any major injuries, of course. In one of the Sportsnet features about him, "I do literally live and breathe hockey, and it's the love of my life."



Since you don't know much about Scheifele, here are two articles that I think help paint a picture.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/scheifele-stops-at-nothing-415269744.html
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/leafs-coach-babcock-sings-praise-underrated-jets-star-scheifele/

 

[JackSlater]

Scheifele is one of my favourite players. I love watching him blossom to the player he has become today. I will say he will go if he's named to the team. Barring any major injuries, of course. In one of the Sportsnet features about him, "I do literally live and breathe hockey, and it's the love of my life."



Since you don't know much about Scheifele, here are two articles that I think help paint a picture.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/scheifele-stops-at-nothing-415269744.html
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/leafs-coach-babcock-sings-praise-underrated-jets-star-scheifele/

Thanks, that matches what I said and is what I was looking for. Winnipeg is done, so Scheifele would be a huge piece. He's a legitimate number one centre for a tournament of this level.

Additionally, Winnipeg has two other players who interest me. Little is a good centre for this level, though he's had injury problems and is nearing 30. Morrissey has been good this year too and was a good WJC player. Wouldn't mind him in a third pairing or seventh defenceman role.

 

[therealdeal]

Thanks, that matches what I said and is what I was looking for. Winnipeg is done, so Scheifele would be a huge piece. He's a legitimate number one centre for a tournament of this level.

Additionally, Winnipeg has two other players who interest me. Little is a good centre for this level, though he's had injury problems and is nearing 30. Morrissey has been good this year too and was a good WJC player. Wouldn't mind him in a third pairing or seventh defenceman role.

At this rate Morrissey could very well be our #1 defensemen this year...

What happened to Myers this year? Did he get hurt early on and I just missed that? Not that I think he would take the invite, just wondering.

 

[1Gold Standard]

At this rate Morrissey could very well be our #1 defensemen this year...

What happened to Myers this year? Did he get hurt early on and I just missed that? Not that I think he would take the invite, just wondering.

hasn't played since early Nov. expected back later this month.

 

[JackSlater]

At this rate Morrissey could very well be our #1 defensemen this year...

Defence is usually the issue for Canada at this tournament, it seems. Two years ago they had players well suited to their roles (Burms #1, Hamhuis #2 etc.) and last year there was a good group of young defencemen who were supported by a very good collection of two way forwards. This year is looks bleak among the teams that are pretty much out of the playoffs.

From Philadelphia, Carolina, Florida, Buffalo, Detroit and New Jersey, there isn't really any defenceman I would really hope for. Matheson should be welcome from Florida, and probably Severson from New Jersey would be fine in a depth role. Franson is a typical big Canadian defenceman that often gets invited for a bottom pairing role, but I'm not really interested in him.

Among Winnipeg, Dallas, Vancouver, Arizona and Colorado there a few promising players. I really like Tanev in general and appreciate the work he did last year. Barrie is a good puck mover despite the horrible season Colorado has had, and he impressed in 2015. Other than Morrissey, I don't see anyone else on the other teams that is overly useful. Los Angeles is probably also done, and that is where the most potential exists. Doughty would be a huge boon to this team, but he doesn't seem interested in this tournament. Who knows though. Muzzin is a useful player as a stabilizing presence at this level of tournament.

Outside of those options we have Tampa Bay, Islanders and Toronto battling for the final East spot. Tampa Bay doesn't really have any useful defencemen. Toronto has Rielly, pretty good last year, but he has an easy out after the gimmick tournament. Islanders have Hamonic, but with his documented family issues he is probably not likely. Wouldn't be shocked to see De Haan get an invite if he is there. The first round will be significant when it comes to defencemen. Pittsburgh (Long shot Letang, Schultz) Calgary (Giordano, Brodie, Hamilton) Minnesota (Scandela, Spurgeon) and Nashville (Ellis) are the most promising there.

 

[1Gold Standard]

Defence is usually the issue for Canada at this tournament, it seems. Two years ago they had players well suited to their roles (Burms #1, Hamhuis #2 etc.) and last year there was a good group of young defencemen who were supported by a very good collection of two way forwards. This year is looks bleak among the teams that are pretty much out of the playoffs.

From Philadelphia, Carolina, Florida, Buffalo, Detroit and New Jersey, there isn't really any defenceman I would really hope for. Matheson should be welcome from Florida, and probably Severson from New Jersey would be fine in a depth role. Franson is a typical big Canadian defenceman that often gets invited for a bottom pairing role, but I'm not really interested in him.

Among Winnipeg, Dallas, Vancouver, Arizona and Colorado there a few promising players. I really like Tanev in general and appreciate the work he did last year. Barrie is a good puck mover despite the horrible season Colorado has had, and he impressed in 2015. Other than Morrissey, I don't see anyone else on the other teams that is overly useful. Los Angeles is probably also done, and that is where the most potential exists. Doughty would be a huge boon to this team, but he doesn't seem interested in this tournament. Who knows though. Muzzin is a useful player as a stabilizing presence at this level of tournament.

Outside of those options we have Tampa Bay, Islanders and Toronto battling for the final East spot. Tampa Bay doesn't really have any useful defencemen. Toronto has Rielly, pretty good last year, but he has an easy out after the gimmick tournament. Islanders have Hamonic, but with his documented family issues he is probably not likely. Wouldn't be shocked to see De Haan get an invite if he is there. The first round will be significant when it comes to defencemen. Pittsburgh (Long shot Letang, Schultz) Calgary (Giordano, Brodie, Hamilton) Minnesota (Scandela, Spurgeon) and Nashville (Ellis) are the most promising there.

Ya, I've been waiting a long *expletive deleted time for those 2 to make the annual springtime European vacay team. a bit surprising, especially for Spurgeon, as it wasn't too long ago that a select few @Hockey Canada were blowing Olympic smoke up Spurgeon's ass. I mean the Hockey Canada know little bureaucrats (Salmond and crew) and not the actual NHL hockey execs who pick the teams. I doubt they'll be available this year. but... if Minny gets bounced, I'd like to see them in Paris.

 

[Bear12Good]

Daughty can accept invite?
For triple gold club

 

[xxxx]

I am quite opitmistic about Carter, Benn, Seguin, and Giroux. The first two didn't play at the World Cup at all, and Seguin got to play just two pre-tournament games. Giroux was the 13th forward much of the time, so he didn't really play either. Plus he must know that he's no lock for possible olympic games. The factor of France and Paris could possibly play into it, hopefully We know that Benn would've played in 2015, but couldn't due to injury. With his new, big contract with Dallas, I wouldn't be surprised that he would rather rest and be completely prepared for the new season, but I may be wrong. Having all of these in France would be huuuuge though. I also think there is a chance of Tavares going, plus McDavid is a given imo if he gets eliminated.


If we have a miracle 2.0, this would be the team:


Benn - Giroux - Seguin
Tavares - McDavid - Carter
O'Reilly - Scheifele - Stone
Hall - MacKinnon - Duchene
Marner

Muzzin - Doughty
Giordano - Subban
Rielly/Brodie - Hamilton/Spurgeon/Parayko
DeHaan

Allen, Pickard

I can't really imagine this team on the ice for this tournament, lol. A 4th line of Hall-MacKinnon-Duchene? That would be even much better than the Ennis-Couturier-Toffoli line from 2015, so yeah, let your imagination tell you what would it look like.

 

[Bear12Good]

I am quite opitmistic about Carter, Benn, Seguin, and Giroux. The first two didn't play at the World Cup at all, and Seguin got to play just two pre-tournament games. Giroux was the 13th forward much of the time, so he didn't really play either. Plus he must know that he's no lock for possible olympic games. The factor of France and Paris could possibly play into it, hopefully We know that Benn would've played in 2015, but couldn't due to injury. With his new, big contract with Dallas, I wouldn't be surprised that he would rather rest and be completely prepared for the new season, but I may be wrong. Having all of these in France would be huuuuge though. I also think there is a chance of Tavares going, plus McDavid is a given imo if he gets eliminated.


If we have a miracle 2.0, this would be the team:


Benn - Giroux - Seguin
Tavares - McDavid - Carter
O'Reilly - Scheifele - Stone
Hall - MacKinnon - Duchene
Marner

Muzzin - Doughty
Giordano - Subban
Rielly/Brodie - Hamilton/Spurgeon/Parayko
DeHaan

Allen, Pickard

I can't really imagine this team on the ice for this tournament, lol. A 4th line of Hall-MacKinnon-Duchene? That would be even much better than the Ennis-Couturier-Toffoli line from 2015, so yeah, let your imagination tell you what would it look like.

++++ Simmonds

 

[JackSlater]

I am quite opitmistic about Carter, Benn, Seguin, and Giroux. The first two didn't play at the World Cup at all, and Seguin got to play just two pre-tournament games. Giroux was the 13th forward much of the time, so he didn't really play either. Plus he must know that he's no lock for possible olympic games. The factor of France and Paris could possibly play into it, hopefully We know that Benn would've played in 2015, but couldn't due to injury. With his new, big contract with Dallas, I wouldn't be surprised that he would rather rest and be completely prepared for the new season, but I may be wrong. Having all of these in France would be huuuuge though. I also think there is a chance of Tavares going, plus McDavid is a given imo if he gets eliminated.


If we have a miracle 2.0, this would be the team:


Benn - Giroux - Seguin
Tavares - McDavid - Carter
O'Reilly - Scheifele - Stone
Hall - MacKinnon - Duchene
Marner

Muzzin - Doughty
Giordano - Subban
Rielly/Brodie - Hamilton/Spurgeon/Parayko
DeHaan

Allen, Pickard

I can't really imagine this team on the ice for this tournament, lol. A 4th line of Hall-MacKinnon-Duchene? That would be even much better than the Ennis-Couturier-Toffoli line from 2015, so yeah, let your imagination tell you what would it look like.

Good call on Subban, I completely forgot that he's with Nashville. I think there is a good chance he goes if Nashville is eliminated first round, based on his history and his recent snub from Hockey Canada. The potential for Subban and Ellis is huge for this team.

 

[Bear12Good]

Subban 100% accepted invite

 

[Bear12Good]

Giordano probably declined . . .. too old

 

[therealdeal]

Loving the enthusiasm boys, but the team that goes will look nothing like that, we've gotta be somewhat realistic here.

Was just reading Friedman's 30 thoughts from a couple weeks back and it was saying Chris Tanev might be shut down when the Canucks are officially eliminated from the playoffs due to injuries. So we can probably count him out as well.

PK Subban I truly believe would accept an invite if he's eliminated. Hall you might get, but he's been snubbed more than once. O'Reilly I think you can get, so you've got your #2 or #3 center. Schiefele went last year, don't know if you'll get him. Tavares would be just a dream to get, but he might be inclined to take the invite. Seguin and Benn, I don't know if they're the type. They both took it in 15 though, so maybe? Carter will say no, I can almost promise that. Colorado guys, I can see them wanting something positive at the end of their garbage year, or I can see them saying they want a rest.

Doughty and Muzzin will probably say no. Man I would kill to have Gio go, he's so good, but he's a family man. Though, the Olympics could tempt him to go. Brodie and Hamilton will probably say no.

Maybe I'm just being negative today, but we've all see how these teams come together.

 

[Bear12Good]

Loving the enthusiasm boys, but the team that goes will look nothing like that, we've gotta be somewhat realistic here.

Was just reading Friedman's 30 thoughts from a couple weeks back and it was saying Chris Tanev might be shut down when the Canucks are officially eliminated from the playoffs due to injuries. So we can probably count him out as well.

PK Subban I truly believe would accept an invite if he's eliminated. Hall you might get, but he's been snubbed more than once. O'Reilly I think you can get, so you've got your #2 or #3 center. Schiefele went last year, don't know if you'll get him. Tavares would be just a dream to get, but he might be inclined to take the invite. Seguin and Benn, I don't know if they're the type. They both took it in 15 though, so maybe? Carter will say no, I can almost promise that. Colorado guys, I can see them wanting something positive at the end of their garbage year, or I can see them saying they want a rest.

Doughty and Muzzin will probably say no. Man I would kill to have Gio go, he's so good, but he's a family man. Though, the Olympics could tempt him to go. Brodie and Hamilton will probably say no.

Maybe I'm just being negative today, but we've all see how these teams come together.

I think Canadian federation hockey should not invited players in the Olympics 18 who refused to go in IIHF Worlds 17

 

[Bear12Good]

For example Russian not invited Radulov in WCup because Radu decline invite to IIHF Worlds)

 

[JackSlater]

I think Canadian federation hockey should not invited players in the Olympics 18 who refused to go in IIHF Worlds 17

That neither will nor should happen. The World Championships are fine to win, but the tournament isn't a big deal. The Olympic tournament with NHL participation is a very big deal and not worth risking for the sake of a far lesser tournament. If Doughty refuses to go to this tournament and then Hockey Canada refuses to pick him for an Olympic tournament featuring NHLers, there would be a significant amount of outrage.

 

[1Gold Standard]

Good call on Subban, I completely forgot that he's with Nashville. I think there is a good chance he goes if Nashville is eliminated first round, based on his history and his recent snub from Hockey Canada. The potential for Subban and Ellis is huge for this team.

and don't forget Johansen. Dude has to play at some point. Having a good year. needs to score more, but he's playing well.

 

[JackSlater]

and don't forget Johansen. Dude has to play at some point. Having a good year. needs to score more, but he's playing well.

Considering he didn't go in the most ideal situation imaginable in 2015, I won't believe Johansen is going until I see it. He's also a restricted free agent this summer, which really shouldn't matter that much but we've seen players cite that excuse when opting out before. Here is a list of the noteworthy RFAs:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/rfa-2017-restricted-free-agents-negotiations-johansen-horvat-draisaitl-pastrnak-kuznetsov-galchenyuk-sheary/

Noteworthy Canadians who may be targets for this tournament include Johansen, Drouin, Horvat and Parayko.