WJC: 2024 Team Canada Roster Talk - Part 1

[Crosby2010]

He would make my team if a best-on-best tournament were happening tomorrow. But we all know how Hockey Canada operates. It is far from a guarantee in February 2025 at 19 years of age.

If he were to play any games, it would probably just be sparingly as a 13th. forward and PP time with McDavid and MacKinnon.

That's the thing, even if there is a World Cup in February 2025 who knows what sort of politics play out here. In my opinion you want the skill and determination and such on your team, and the age has never been a factor for Bedard his whole career, or his size. They made the mistake with Crosby in 2006. Who here thinks Todd Bertuzzi among others was a better choice? Not me. They did the right thing with Lindros in 1991 I think. He proved it that tournament. And even Alan Eagleson said he would have added Lemieux in 1984 if it were up to him, even though they won. And to me I think Lemieux would have fit in just fine there and would have had an eye opening experience with all of those championship caliber players from the Isles and Oilers. Some good and already established centres weren't on that team like Savard or Hawerchuk, and Trottier played for Team USA that tournament, but I think you could still find room for Lemieux. Heck, Yzerman had one NHL season under his belt and made that team.

But I like Bedard on that team. It won't be a mistake. That's a year and a half and who knows how quick he shoots up the ladder by then.

 

[Ace]

Already skating and practicing supposedly. My guess is early-mid November he’ll play games in WHL, then off to World Juniors.

My guess is he will get a conditioning assignment in the AHL and then NHL games and then off to WJC unless he somehow becomes irreplaceable on the NHL roster.

I don’t think they’ve ever been interested in sending Savoie back to the WHL for multiple reasons. Benson sniping his spot doesn’t change that. What happens after WJC can change it based on what’s best for him…but I think they’re very unhappy with the WHL and Wenatchee right now and are thrilled neither of their players were returned at this point.

 

[ORRFForever]

That's the thing, even if there is a World Cup in February 2025 who knows what sort of politics play out here. In my opinion you want the skill and determination and such on your team, and the age has never been a factor for Bedard his whole career, or his size. They made the mistake with Crosby in 2006. Who here thinks Todd Bertuzzi among others was a better choice? Not me. They did the right thing with Lindros in 1991 I think. He proved it that tournament. And even Alan Eagleson said he would have added Lemieux in 1984 if it were up to him, even though they won. And to me I think Lemieux would have fit in just fine there and would have had an eye opening experience with all of those championship caliber players from the Isles and Oilers. Some good and already established centres weren't on that team like Savard or Hawerchuk, and Trottier played for Team USA that tournament, but I think you could still find room for Lemieux. Heck, Yzerman had one NHL season under his belt and made that team.

But I like Bedard on that team. It won't be a mistake. That's a year and a half and who knows how quick he shoots up the ladder by then.

After years of producing less than stellar talent - late teen drafts - WE have a TON of top end prospects coming down the pike so you never know who'll step up. I'm just glad the next wave is FINALLY here.

 

[joeyrikley]

Hey I wrote up this roster predictions for the 2023-24 World Junior team. Breakdown my thought process.

First Line: Strong, reliable, not a flashy line. Similar to Wrights line last year, I want to trust them to go out and protect a lead.
Second Line: Offence. That's all. Score me goals.
Third Line: HUSTLERS. Just ware down the other teams best line. Throw the body a bit.
Fourth Line: Mix of strong defence and offensive upside.
Scratches: Firkus is an instant offensive plug-in/Danielson is reliable, much like Gaucher last year

First Pair: Two strongest guys on each side, in my eyes. Luneau had a great camp, brings offence. Hope Korchinski's back
Second Pair: Offensive stud with a defensive stud
Third Pair: Canada loves their BIG boys
Scratch: Molendyk is a nice plug in anywhere

Goalies: I like Di as the starter. Couldn't decide if Canada would bring a young guy like Bjarnason or Ratzlaff, so I opted for Dyck who's had international experience as a starter.

Let me know who I forgot, or your opinions. (This is with the assumption that Benson and Bedard are not loaned, and Fantilli, Minten, Poitras, Wright and Korchinksi are)

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Hey I wrote up this roster predictions for the 2023-24 World Junior team. Breakdown my thought process.

First Line: Strong, reliable, not a flashy line. Similar to Wrights line last year, I want to trust them to go out and protect a lead.
Second Line: Offence. That's all. Score me goals.
Third Line: HUSTLERS. Just ware down the other teams best line. Throw the body a bit.
Fourth Line: Mix of strong defence and offensive upside.
Scratches: Firkus is an instant offensive plug-in/Danielson is reliable, much like Gaucher last year

First Pair: Two strongest guys on each side, in my eyes. Luneau had a great camp, brings offence. Hope Korchinski's back
Second Pair: Offensive stud with a defensive stud
Third Pair: Canada loves their BIG boys
Scratch: Molendyk is a nice plug in anywhere

Goalies: I like Di as the starter. Couldn't decide if Canada would bring a young guy like Bjarnason or Ratzlaff, so I opted for Dyck who's had international experience as a starter.

Let me know who I forgot, or your opinions. (This is with the assumption that Benson and Bedard are not loaned, and Fantilli, Minten, Poitras, Wright and Korchinksi are)

I think Owen Beck is someone who's skillset is optimized at centre and you want him playing there, not the wing.

 

[Stan Galiev]

Cristall off to a super strong start. Does he have a chance at team Canada this year?

 

[stevo61]

Hey I wrote up this roster predictions for the 2023-24 World Junior team. Breakdown my thought process.

First Line: Strong, reliable, not a flashy line. Similar to Wrights line last year, I want to trust them to go out and protect a lead.
Second Line: Offence. That's all. Score me goals.
Third Line: HUSTLERS. Just ware down the other teams best line. Throw the body a bit.
Fourth Line: Mix of strong defence and offensive upside.
Scratches: Firkus is an instant offensive plug-in/Danielson is reliable, much like Gaucher last year

First Pair: Two strongest guys on each side, in my eyes. Luneau had a great camp, brings offence. Hope Korchinski's back
Second Pair: Offensive stud with a defensive stud
Third Pair: Canada loves their BIG boys
Scratch: Molendyk is a nice plug in anywhere

Goalies: I like Di as the starter. Couldn't decide if Canada would bring a young guy like Bjarnason or Ratzlaff, so I opted for Dyck who's had international experience as a starter.

Let me know who I forgot, or your opinions. (This is with the assumption that Benson and Bedard are not loaned, and Fantilli, Minten, Poitras, Wright and Korchinksi are)

Id operate under the assumption Fantilli will not be loaned and put Danielson there. Fantilli while not taking over is doing fine on a team trying to find its way early. This is also the team that wouldnt send Sillinger to the WJC when he needed to play elsewhere

 

[joeyrikley]

I think Owen Beck is someone who's skillset is optimized at centre and you want him playing there, not the wing.

Agreed but I think it’ll be a rotation, he ran the wing last year. Probably takes draws on his strong side

Id operate under the assumption Fantilli will not be loaned and put Danielson there. Fantilli while not taking over is doing fine on a team trying to find its way early. This is also the team that wouldnt send Sillinger to the WJC when he needed to play elsewhere

Very true. I just can’t imagine CBJ’s anywhere close to a playoff race, wishful thinking. There’s good depth at C so

 

[joeyrikley]

Cristall off to a super strong start. Does he have a chance at team Canada this year?

My worry is this team has a lot of small skill, not sure how his style would fit into what Canada likes from their bottom six

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Cristall off to a super strong start. Does he have a chance at team Canada this year?

Gonna be tough. He will need to win a top 6 role and not sure he will be able to do that.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Agreed but I think it’ll be a rotation, he ran the wing last year. Probably takes draws on his strong side


Very true. I just can’t imagine CBJ’s anywhere close to a playoff race, wishful thinking. There’s good depth at C so

I would expect Beck to play a much bigger role this year (middle-6 centre), especially if we don't get either Wright or Fantilli, given what he's accomplished since last year's tournament. He's 19 years old, a buzzsaw in all three zones, was a key player on a Memorial Cup tournament team, and has a strong defensive/checking element to his game. That screams middle-6 centre on a good national junior team to me.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I would expect Beck to play a much bigger role this year (middle-6 centre), especially if we don't get either Wright or Fantilli, given what he's accomplished since last year's tournament. He's 19 years old, a buzzsaw in all three zones, was a key player on a Memorial Cup tournament team, and has a strong defensive/checking element to his game. That screams middle-6 centre on a good national junior team to me.

Lot of good Cs, especially RH shot ones. He’s a returner but it’ll be tough sledding. Some good players will be left off.

 

[joeyrikley]

I would expect Beck to play a much bigger role this year (middle-6 centre), especially if we don't get either Wright or Fantilli, given what he's accomplished since last year's tournament. He's 19 years old, a buzzsaw in all three zones, was a key player on a Memorial Cup tournament team, and has a strong defensive/checking element to his game. That screams middle-6 centre on a good national junior team to me.

I love Becks game but has slowed down offensively pretty drastically recently. Hes a perfect third line guy on this squad in my eyes

 

[Mathieukferland]

Cristall off to a super strong start. Does he have a chance at team Canada this year?

A chance? Yes? Do I think he makes it? No, a player of his profile needs to be playing top 6 and I don’t think he’s good enough to pierce the top 6

 

[ValeriKamensky]

C. Ritchie - Celebrini - Yager
Savoie - Wright - Heidt
E. Gauthier - Barkey - Cowan
Beck - Geekie - Cataford
Gaucher

Mateychuk - Gibson
Molendyk - Lamoureux
Dickinson - Bonk
MacKinnon

Bjarnasson
???

In case Luneau will be available: Mac out, Lamoureaux become extra Dman

 

[joeyrikley]

C. Ritchie - Celebrini - Yager
Savoie - Wright - Heidt
E. Gauthier - Barkey - Cowan
Beck - Geekie - Cataford
Gaucher

Mateychuk - Gibson
Molendyk - Lamoureux
Dickinson - Bonk
MacKinnon

Bjarnasson
???

In case Luneau will be available: Mac out, Lamoureaux become extra Dman

If this were the team...yikes. Way too many young guys. No Pickering? Gaucher too old (also extra forward?). I don't see half the guys making this team

 

[ValeriKamensky]

If this were the team...yikes. Way too many young guys. No Pickering? Gaucher too old (also extra forward?). I don't see half the guys making this team

Oh my fault with Gaucher, I forgot he’s 2003 born. But what can I say about too young team - IIRC Canada never shy to take many players from last draft, isn’t it?
Also IMO 2004 not the best year for Canada, 2005 is better

 

[joeyrikley]

Oh my fault with Gaucher, I forgot he’s 2003 born. But what can I say about too young team - IIRC Canada never shy to take many players from last draft, isn’t it?
Also IMO 2004 not the best year for Canada, 2005 is better

I would argue the opposite. Canada rarely takes young guys, much more often opting for less talented but more mature players. Rarely do guys outside the top 5-10 picks from the previous draft make the team, unless they’re an overager like Gaucher last year. They’ll need to have dominant seasons to make the squad, like a McMichael a few years back, where they couldn’t not take him

 

[joeyrikley]

Owen Beck hatty last night, he can be a big piece for Canada if he's finally starting to wake up this year

 

[Chainshot]

Already skating and practicing supposedly. My guess is early-mid November he’ll play games in WHL, then off to World Juniors.

Seems like a logical timeline as he has the conditioning assignment to the AHL and then from their I would assume WHL unless A) Benson's injury is worse than thought AND B) Savoie rips it up down in Rochester. Since he's missed so much time, I don't think B happens and Benson seems like he's just day-to-day at the moment.

 

[joeyrikley]

Harrison Meneghin is lighting up the WHL on Lethbridge. Undrafted 19 year old goalie, could be another Milic situation

 

[WarriorofTime]

Korchinski may stay up passed 9 games, but I'd be pretty surprised if he isn't made available for the WJC.

 

[ORRFForever]

Korchinski may stay up passed 9 games, but I'd be pretty surprised if he isn't made available for the WJC.

I've watched his games and I agree with you.

Not sure if playing on a CRAPPY team helps or hurts his chances of playing at the WJR's. My guess : It helps.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Mathew Poitras played very well again tonight. If he ends up being sent it’s as big an add as Wright will be in my opinion

 

[ORRFForever]

2 weeks in, anyone have an opinions on who has NO chance of playing at the WJR's because they're in the NHL in December.

There's Bedard and...???