WJC: 2023 Team Canada Roster Talk

[canuck2010]

I don't see Wright or McTavish. Sillinger is of course long gone. Guenther may be available because he is coming off an injury and might need some time to get up to speed. I don't think the NHL is the place to do that. Is Roy still available or is he too old?

 

[STL fan in MN]

What sort of odds does Zach Bolduc have of making the team?

I don’t follow a lot of these Jr teams so don’t really have a great sense of his competition among other Canadians his age but I’d think a guy that just put up 55 goals in 65 games (and 99 points) would be of use. So somewhat surprised to not see his name being mentioned here.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

What sort of odds does Zach Bolduc have of making the team?

I don’t follow a lot of these Jr teams so don’t really have a great sense of his competition among other Canadians his age but I’d think a guy that just put up 55 goals in 65 games (and 99 points) would be of use. So somewhat surprised to not see his name being mentioned here.

He’s in contention without a doubt - he could be left off the team similarly to how Lapierre was last year.

 

[kyle44]

You would think but like 13 players were missing from the August tournament. Rather unlikely we are missing that many in December. I would be surprised if he doesn't make it as well I just am not sure it is a slam dunk.

A lot of those missing players have graduated. Of the guys who couldn’t attend in the summer, only 3 I believe are able to play with the winter squad. Wright, Guenther and Johnston.

Was about to post what GermanSpitfire did. Roy was also invited to the Christmas selection camp (unlike Gaucher, Ostapchuk and Kidney) and, as others pointed out, was one of the top point producers on the summer team. There is no way a 19 year old returning player, who may very well lead the CHL in scoring this year, is left off the team.

 

[Boonk]

He’s in contention without a doubt - he could be left off the team similarly to how Lapierre was last year.

God I hope not, Bolduc scored 55 goals in the Q last year. He is a goal scorer and is more coveted on this team than Lapierre was being a playmaker (he had a mediocre camp as well despite starting in Washington). HC would be fools to leave him off unless he shits the bed hard heading into next year, but given their smooth brain PR management of [REDACTED], as well as leaving off Brandt Clarke (and many many others) in favor of some lesser players, I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[ORRFForever]

What sort of odds does Zach Bolduc have of making the team?

I don’t follow a lot of these Jr teams so don’t really have a great sense of his competition among other Canadians his age but I’d think a guy that just put up 55 goals in 65 games (and 99 points) would be of use. So somewhat surprised to not see his name being mentioned here.

He's been a strong player since starting in the Q. Hope he gets more than a look.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

God I hope not, Bolduc scored 55 goals in the Q last year. He is a goal scorer and is more coveted on this team than Lapierre was being a playmaker (he had a mediocre camp as well despite starting in Washington). HC would be fools to leave him off unless he shits the bed hard heading into next year, but given their smooth brain PR management of [REDACTED], as well as leaving off Brandt Clarke (and many many others) in favor of some lesser players, I wouldn't be surprised.

First off - Canada won gold. So leaving Clarke off the team worked out fine. Don’t know what else more you expect than a gold medal.


If healthy/available here are the locksin my view:

F:

Bedard
Roy
Wright
Kidney
Stankoven
Gaucher
Ostapchuk
Othmann
Guenther
Savoie
Johnston


D:
Clarke
Zellweger
Del Mastro

G:
Gaudreau
Brennen

That leaves 2-3 forward slots, 4-5 defence slots and 1 goalie slot available if everyone Stays healthy and is available and if Sillinger and McTavish are in the NHL.

In my view - I see Bolduc fighting for a spot with Dean, L’Hereaux, Robertson among many other names to play third or fourth line minutes. I like L’Hereaux better because of how chippy he can play - similar to Greig this past WJC. And Robertson I feel is the more capable defensive forward at this stage of their career. He will be an excellent PKer for this team - Dean it‘s toss up.

If someone like Johnston makes the NHL - Bolduc is who I would choose to replace him. It’s top-6 or bust for Bolduc if I was making the team.

 

[ORRFForever]

First off - Canada won gold. So leaving Clarke off the team worked out fine. Don’t know what else more you expect than a gold medal.


If healthy/available here are the locksin my view:

F:

Bedard
Roy
Wright
Kidney
Stankoven
Gaucher
Ostapchuk
Othmann
Guenther
Savoie
Johnston


D:
Clarke
Zellweger
Del Mastro

G:
Gaudreau
Brennen

That leaves 2-3 forward slots, 4-5 defence slots and 1 goalie slot available if everyone Stays healthy and is available and if Sillinger and McTavish are in the NHL.

In my view - I see Bolduc fighting for a spot with Dean, L’Hereaux, Robertson among many other names to play third or fourth line minutes. I like L’Hereaux better because of how chippy he can play - similar to Greig this past WJC. And Robertson I feel is the more capable defensive forward at this stage of their career. He will be an excellent PKer for this team - Dean it‘s toss up.

If someone like Johnston makes the NHL - Bolduc is who I would choose to replace him. It’s top-6 or bust for Bolduc if I was making the team.

You always provide insightful posts...

 

[kyle44]

First off - Canada won gold. So leaving Clarke off the team worked out fine. Don’t know what else more you expect than a gold medal.


If healthy/available here are the locksin my view:

F:

Bedard
Roy
Wright
Kidney
Stankoven
Gaucher
Ostapchuk
Othmann
Guenther
Savoie
Johnston


D:
Clarke
Zellweger
Del Mastro

G:
Gaudreau
Brennen

That leaves 2-3 forward slots, 4-5 defence slots and 1 goalie slot available if everyone Stays healthy and is available and if Sillinger and McTavish are in the NHL.

In my view - I see Bolduc fighting for a spot with Dean, L’Hereaux, Robertson among many other names to play third or fourth line minutes. I like L’Hereaux better because of how chippy he can play - similar to Greig this past WJC. And Robertson I feel is the more capable defensive forward at this stage of their career. He will be an excellent PKer for this team - Dean it‘s toss up.

If someone like Johnston makes the NHL - Bolduc is who I would choose to replace him. It’s top-6 or bust for Bolduc if I was making the team.

L’Hereaux is certainly an effective player but, IMO as a Mooseheads season ticket holder, he'll need to reign in his temper for Hockey Canada to consider him for this team. Greig plays a similar game but does a better job of controlling his emotions. L’Hereaux is liable to take a 5 minute major in the dying minutes of a semi-final game. He gives me Stefan Della Rovere/Steve Downie vibes.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

L’Hereaux is certainly an effective player but, IMO as a Mooseheads season ticket holder, he'll need to reign in his temper for Hockey Canada to consider him for this team. Greig plays a similar game but does a better job of controlling his emotions. L’Hereaux is liable to take a 5 minute major in the dying minutes of a semi-final game. He gives me Stefan Della Rovere/Steve Downie vibes.

Both players play on a thin line.
I think he could be invaluable getting under the opponents skins while also providing energy in a bottom-6 role. TC historically love these types of players when they’re available to them - I don’t believe this year will be any different.

 

[kyle44]

Both players play on a thin line.
I think he could be invaluable getting under the opponents skins while also providing energy in a bottom-6 role. TC historically love these types of players when they’re available to them - I don’t believe this year will be any different.

Normally I'd agree with you, but he's been suspended 7 times in the last two years, several of which were completely unnecessary and put the team in a bad position. I don't disagree that in the past HC has valued these types, but they've moved away from the Tootoo, Downie and Della Rovere types. If he can reign it in the first half of the season he'll get a look, but I'd be surprised if he's selected.

 

[JackSlater]

Due to the odd nature of the 2022 tournament it is more likely than usual that a returnee could be cut. I still wouldn't bet on it though as it has happened only a handful (off the top of my head maybe 4) times ever for Canada. I wouldn't be shocked if Lambos was cut, as some have alluded to. Kidney barely played in 2022 but he's probably aided by being from Nova Scotia. I also wouldn't be surprised if L'Heureux's chances are slightly improved due to playing for Halifax.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Due to the odd nature of the 2022 tournament it is more likely than usual that a returnee could be cut. I still wouldn't bet on it though as it has happened only a handful (off the top of my head maybe 4) times ever for Canada. I wouldn't be shocked if Lambos was cut, as some have alluded to. Kidney barely played in 2022 but he's probably aided by being from Nova Scotia. I also wouldn't be surprised if L'Heureux's chances are slightly improved due to playing for Halifax.

Yeah if Kidney or Ostapchuk were cut wouldn’t surprise me. Better players available with a normal winter tournament

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Yeah if Kidney or Ostapchuk were cut wouldn’t surprise me. Better players available with a normal winter tournament

Disagree on Ostapchuk - maybe I’m blinded by bias as a Senators fan but he played well with the role he played in the summer team. His size, motor and speed will again be valuable for TC.

 

[NewEraGM]

Due to the odd nature of the 2022 tournament it is more likely than usual that a returnee could be cut. I still wouldn't bet on it though as it has happened only a handful (off the top of my head maybe 4) times ever for Canada. I wouldn't be shocked if Lambos was cut, as some have alluded to. Kidney barely played in 2022 but he's probably aided by being from Nova Scotia. I also wouldn't be surprised if L'Heureux's chances are slightly improved due to playing for Halifax.

What does being from NS have to do with it?

 

[GermanSpitfire]

What does being from NS have to do with it?

The tournament is being hosted in Nova Scotia.

 

[JackSlater]

What does being from NS have to do with it?

Hockey Canada just badly botched ticket sales in Alberta. Canada's games in this tournament are all in Halifax, and Kidney is from the Halifax area. He isn't going to make the team just because of where he's from but given the 2022 tournament it can only help him. As a returning player he likely wouldn't need that boost anyway.

Yeah if Kidney or Ostapchuk were cut wouldn’t surprise me. Better players available with a normal winter tournament

It's possible. Ostapchuk acquitted himself pretty well in the summer though and he can easily be penciled in for a spot as LW on whatever Canada's checking line ends up being. Kidney would probably be a tighter squeeze depending on who is available because Canada should have a good selection of skill forwards to choose among.

 

[NewEraGM]

The tournament is being hosted in Nova Scotia.

Ummm that doesn’t matter. That’s ridiculous….you think Nova Scotians are going to buy more tickets just because Riley kidney is there???

You think the coaches, management care about ticket sales???

Maybe the most ridiculous take I’ve ever heard

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Ummm that doesn’t matter. That’s ridiculous….you think Nova Scotians are going to buy more tickets just because Riley kidney is there???

You think the coaches, management care about ticket sales???

Maybe the most ridiculous take I’ve ever heard

First off - I never said anything of the such. I was just responding to your question.

Second, I don’t think you realize just how patriotic the Atlantic coast provinces of Canada are towards their province.

I don’t think they’re going to make roster decisions around it but it’s an extra something for the fans to cheer for.

 

[Gold Standard]

Ummm that doesn’t matter. That’s ridiculous….you think Nova Scotians are going to buy more tickets just because Riley kidney is there???

You think the coaches, management care about ticket sales???

Maybe the most ridiculous take I’ve ever heard

not ridiculous at all. I'm from the east coast, not N.S., but the east coast nonetheless, I'd be more inclined to pay Hockey Canada's extortion prices if a player or two are from my home town and or/graduates of the same hockey association in which I played. Damn straight.

 

[ORRFForever]

not ridiculous at all. I'm from the east coast, not N.S., but the east coast nonetheless, I'd be more inclined to pay Hockey Canada's extortion prices if a player or two are from my home town and or/graduates of the same hockey association in which I played. Damn straight.

Agree.

How are the ticket sales going? Does anyone know?

I don't see Wright or McTavish. Sillinger is of course long gone. Guenther may be available because he is coming off an injury and might need some time to get up to speed. I don't think the NHL is the place to do that. Is Roy still available or is he too old?

I could see Wright - I'd say there is a better than 50% chance he plays.

 

[ORRFForever]

...Della Rovere...

Only 7 games in the NHL. That's a shame. I always liked him and thought he would have a better career than he did.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Agree.

How are the ticket sales going? Does anyone know?


I could see Wright - I'd say there is a better than 50% chance he plays.

Last I heard there is a ticket lottery at over 50k people for the tournament. So going pretty well lol

 

[ORRFForever]

Last I heard there is a ticket lottery at over 50k people for the tournament. So going pretty well lol

Nice. Now we have to hope the lottery winners actually step up and buy the tickets - they're not cheap.

 

[JackSlater]

Won't lie, I'm a mark that will go to at least some of the elimination games if I get the chance to purchase tickets.