WJC: 2024 Team Canada Roster Talk - Part 1

[Artorius Horus T]

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...???

Poitras, Korchinski, Minten, who else?

 

[kyle44]

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...???

Based purely on performance to date and/or their current usage, I would assess it as follows:

Zero chance of being released: Bedard, Fantilli, Poitras
Possible chance of being released: Benson, Korchinski (he's played the 2nd most minutes on the blueline for Chicago, so this is a tough one)
Good chance of being released: Luneau, Minten
Unknown: Savoie

Wright is another tough one to call. Typically, AHL players are released to play; however, we have seen some cases where teams would rather their player continue to focus on the pro game (e.g., Christian Fischer, Simon Edvinsson, others I'm forgetting). I could see Seattle taking a similar approach with Wright, especially considering he played last year and won gold. Having said this, I could also see Francis wanting to help out Hockey Canada.

 

[joeyrikley]

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...???

I personally have a hard time seeing Fantilli now. Last I saw he was moved up to the first line.

With how terrible Buffalo has been, might be more of a chance we get Benson than I originally thought

 

[joeyrikley]

I'm not sure if anyone else would be interested in this, but I've been trying to make a realistic camp invite roster, and a final roster prediction.

So, I crunched some numbers on the last 12 Canadian teams and found the average; height, weight, age, lefty vs righty, potential returnees and camp invitees, from each year. These are my results, so if you're trying to predict the squad, like I am, feel free to use these numbers as a base.

 

[ORRFForever]

I'm not sure if anyone else would be interested in this, but I've been trying to make a realistic camp invite roster, and a final roster prediction.

So, I crunched some numbers on the last 12 Canadian teams and found the average; height, weight, age, lefty vs righty, potential returnees and camp invitees, from each year. These are my results, so if you're trying to predict the squad, like I am, feel free to use these numbers as a base.

Nice job. Based on the projected teams, I'd love to see the numbers.

Poitras, Korchinski, Minten, who else?

Grrrr. I want KK to play at the WJR's.

Based purely on performance to date and/or their current usage, I would assess it as follows:

Zero chance of being released: Bedard, Fantilli, Poitras
Possible chance of being released: Benson, Korchinski (he's played the 2nd most minutes on the blueline for Chicago, so this is a tough one)
Good chance of being released: Luneau, Minten
Unknown: Savoie

Wright is another tough one to call. Typically, AHL players are released to play; however, we have seen some cases where teams would rather their player continue to focus on the pro game (e.g., Christian Fischer, Simon Edvinsson, others I'm forgetting). I could see Seattle taking a similar approach with Wright, especially considering he played last year and won gold. Having said this, I could also see Francis wanting to help out Hockey Canada.

Nice analysis. Well done.

I personally have a hard time seeing Fantilli now. Last I saw he was moved up to the first line.

With how terrible Buffalo has been, might be more of a chance we get Benson than I originally thought

I agree.

 

[TheDoldrums]

Poitras, Korchinski, Minten, who else?

Minten will be back in Kamloops soon in all likelihood

 

[joeyrikley]

Nice job. Based on the projected teams, I'd love to see the numbers.

This is the team projection I made last week, definitely some hopeful thinking with some picks. I'll likely make some updates in a week or two when everyone plays their 9-game trials. But with this projected roster I came to these averages:

6'08 feet, 183.04 LBS, 6 possible returnees and 11R / 10L

 

[ORRFForever]

This is the team projection I made last week, definitely some hopeful thinking with some picks. I'll likely make some updates in a week or two when everyone plays their 9-game trials. But with this projected roster I came to these averages:

6'08 feet, 183.04 LBS, 6 possible returnees and 11R / 10L

6 foot 8 inches? I am sure you mean 6.08 feet.

Nice job.

Minten will be back in Kamloops soon in all likelihood

As a Leaf fan, I agree.

The upside to Team Canada is fascinating - lot of Canadian kids in the NHL, the 18 year old's are amazing, and some 19 years old's in the CHL are stepping up. Top to bottom, this could be one heck of a team.

But, again, Canada is the underdog - this is the U.S.'s and Sweden's tournament to lose.

 

[joeyrikley]

6 foot 8 inches? I am sure you mean 6.08 feet.

Nice job.

haha yep, wasn't sure how to type that out

 

[Joe Zanussi]

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

As a Bruins fan, two weeks ago I was sure you guys would get him back for the tourney. But now I’m pretty sure you wont.

 

[ORRFForever]

As a Bruins fan, two weeks ago I was sure you guys would get him back for the tourney. But now I’m pretty sure you wont.

Players go thru ups and downs. We'll know more in a month.

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Update on Korchinski.

 

[ORRFForever]

Update on Korchinski.

Good for the kid but I'd love to see him on Team Canada.

 

[Snippit]

I think both Savoie and Benson will be available. Savoie is getting his 2-week conditioning stint in the AHL, depending on how he plays he may or may not get a shot at 9 NHL games, but either way I doubt he's sticking. Benson is beginning to fade - I will personally be surprised if he sticks past 9 at this point.

 

[joeyrikley]

I think both Savoie and Benson will be available. Savoie is getting his 2-week conditioning stint in the AHL, depending on how he plays he may or may not get a shot at 9 NHL games, but either way I doubt he's sticking. Benson is beginning to fade - I will personally be surprised if he sticks past 9 at this point.

Hate to be that guy but man that’s a huge add for Canada

 

[ORRFForever]

Hate to be that guy but man that’s a huge add for Canada

??? You lost me.

 

[joeyrikley]

??? You lost me.

Don’t like to hope for young guys to struggle, or fall out of the nhl. Selfishly, I want them playing for Canada, but morally you want to root for them

 

[Mathieukferland]

2 months away from opening night!
My roster would currently be (assuming a few players return/are loaned back)

Forwards: there’s no match winner à la Bedard or McTavish as past years, but a lot of 200ft players and hard players that can play the relentless 2 man in seal forecheck that Canada like to use. Dumais cèdes the final spot to Heidt who is off to an amazing start to the season. Cristall, for all his points, looked so off the pace at the u18 that I don’t think he’s made for this level.

Celebrini-Boston University
Danielson-Brandon Wheat Kings
Yager-Moose Jaw Warriors
Savoie-Rochester Americans
Benson-Buffalo Sabres
Cowan-London Knights
Minten-Toronto Maple Leafs
Ritchie-Oshawa Generals
Barlow-Owen Sound Attack
Beck-Peterborough Petes
Wright-Coachella Valley Firebirds
Geekie-Wenatchee Wild
Heidt-Prince George Cougars

Defensemen: at this point I’m assuming Korchinski isn’t returning based on his usage in Chicago. What’s left is a decent but not amazing group that has a lot of puck movers and size. Not sure who this year’s “Tyson Hinds” will be that can play a defensive stabilizing presence, maybe look for Warren to make the team if injuries occur. Bonk and Étienne Morin are competing for the same spot in my opinion.

Mateychuk (L)- Moose Jaw Warriors
Lamoreaux (R)-Drummondville Voltigeurs
Nelson (R)-North Bay Batallion
Bonk (R)-London Knights
Pickering (L)-Swift Current Broncos
Dickinson (L)-London Knights
Molendyk (L)-Saskatoon Blades

Goaltenders: a veritable who’s who. Rousseau, though undrafted and having never played for Hockey Canada before, is on fire to start the season for Halifax. Dyck, formerly involved at u18s, if off to a good start for Swift Current. Bjarnason beats out Unger for the last spot, likely spectating and gaining experience in that environment in preparation for Ottawa 2025

M. Rousseau-Halifax Mooseheads
Dyck-Swift Current Broncos
Bjarnason-Brandon Wheat Kings

 

[kyle44]

2 months away from opening night!
My roster would currently be (assuming a few players return/are loaned back)

Forwards: there’s no match winner à la Bedard or McTavish as past years, but a lot of 200ft players and hard players that can play the relentless 2 man in seal forecheck that Canada like to use. Dumais cèdes the final spot to Heidt who is off to an amazing start to the season. Cristall, for all his points, looked so off the pace at the u18 that I don’t think he’s made for this level.

Celebrini-Boston University
Danielson-Brandon Wheat Kings
Yager-Moose Jaw Warriors
Savoie-Rochester Americans
Benson-Buffalo Sabres
Cowan-London Knights
Minten-Toronto Maple Leafs
Ritchie-Oshawa Generals
Barlow-Owen Sound Attack
Beck-Peterborough Petes
Wright-Coachella Valley Firebirds
Geekie-Wenatchee Wild
Heidt-Prince George Cougars

Defensemen: at this point I’m assuming Korchinski isn’t returning based on his usage in Chicago. What’s left is a decent but not amazing group that has a lot of puck movers and size. Not sure who this year’s “Tyson Hinds” will be that can play a defensive stabilizing presence, maybe look for Warren to make the team if injuries occur. Bonk and Étienne Morin are competing for the same spot in my opinion.

Mateychuk (L)- Moose Jaw Warriors
Lamoreaux (R)-Drummondville Voltigeurs
Nelson (R)-North Bay Batallion
Bonk (R)-London Knights
Pickering (L)-Swift Current Broncos
Dickinson (L)-London Knights
Molendyk (L)-Saskatoon Blades

Goaltenders: a veritable who’s who. Rousseau, though undrafted and having never played for Hockey Canada before, is on fire to start the season for Halifax. Dyck, formerly involved at u18s, if off to a good start for Swift Current. Bjarnason beats out Unger for the last spot, likely spectating and gaining experience in that environment in preparation for Ottawa 2025

M. Rousseau-Halifax Mooseheads
Dyck-Swift Current Broncos
Bjarnason-Brandon Wheat Kings

I really can't see a way in which Dumais and Luneau don't make this team. Dumais was one of the best players in camp last year. He certainly didn't earn his cut.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Luneau

I think he’ll still be in the NHL


And as for Dumais, I don’t think he corresponds to the philosophy which Hockey Canada builds teams with, same reason I don’t have Cristall

 

[kyle44]

I think he’ll still be in the NHL


And as for Dumais, I don’t think he corresponds to the philosophy which Hockey Canada builds teams with, same reason I don’t have Cristall

Even if Anaheim doesn't send him back (which I doubt), I would almost guarantee he's released to play in the tournament, unless Anaheim is hit with a rash of injuries.

On Dumais, it would be asinine to leave off a guy headed for his 3rd straight 100 point season, and likely 2nd straight QMJHL MVP, for philosophical reasons. Regardless of how one thinks he'll transition to the NHL, he is simply one of the best offensive U-20 players in the world at the moment.

 

[joeyrikley]

2 months away from opening night!
My roster would currently be (assuming a few players return/are loaned back)

Forwards: there’s no match winner à la Bedard or McTavish as past years, but a lot of 200ft players and hard players that can play the relentless 2 man in seal forecheck that Canada like to use. Dumais cèdes the final spot to Heidt who is off to an amazing start to the season. Cristall, for all his points, looked so off the pace at the u18 that I don’t think he’s made for this level.

Celebrini-Boston University
Danielson-Brandon Wheat Kings
Yager-Moose Jaw Warriors
Savoie-Rochester Americans
Benson-Buffalo Sabres
Cowan-London Knights
Minten-Toronto Maple Leafs
Ritchie-Oshawa Generals
Barlow-Owen Sound Attack
Beck-Peterborough Petes
Wright-Coachella Valley Firebirds
Geekie-Wenatchee Wild
Heidt-Prince George Cougars

Defensemen: at this point I’m assuming Korchinski isn’t returning based on his usage in Chicago. What’s left is a decent but not amazing group that has a lot of puck movers and size. Not sure who this year’s “Tyson Hinds” will be that can play a defensive stabilizing presence, maybe look for Warren to make the team if injuries occur. Bonk and Étienne Morin are competing for the same spot in my opinion.

Mateychuk (L)- Moose Jaw Warriors
Lamoreaux (R)-Drummondville Voltigeurs
Nelson (R)-North Bay Batallion
Bonk (R)-London Knights
Pickering (L)-Swift Current Broncos
Dickinson (L)-London Knights
Molendyk (L)-Saskatoon Blades

Goaltenders: a veritable who’s who. Rousseau, though undrafted and having never played for Hockey Canada before, is on fire to start the season for Halifax. Dyck, formerly involved at u18s, if off to a good start for Swift Current. Bjarnason beats out Unger for the last spot, likely spectating and gaining experience in that environment in preparation for Ottawa 2025

M. Rousseau-Halifax Mooseheads
Dyck-Swift Current Broncos
Bjarnason-Brandon Wheat Kings

I think this is a very solid roster prediction, hoping a couple NHL teams see the value in releasing young guys like Luneau, especially. I don't expect the Ducks to be anywhere close to competing, and given he's never gotten his shot to play for Canada, they do him the solid.

Only thing I don't like is the goaltender predictions. Bjarnason was beat out by Ratzlaff at the Hlinka Gretzky tournament in 2022-23, and was terrible for the U18 squad this summer. I think out of the young guys, they probably take Ratzlaff. I also think DiVincetiis has a good shot at beating out the others. I do like the Rousseau pick, might sneak his way onto the squad.

As far as no Dumais, I sort of disagree based on the fact he made it to camp last year and got pretty deep into the selection process, if I remember properly. This team is lacking high end skill, lots of good hustlers, but a guy like Dumais should be making this team in my eyes.

 

[joeyrikley]

I have some names of guys who got AHL games in last year, who are eligible for this team:

Shane Wright - 8 games
Josh Filmon - 4 games
Josh Davies - 1 game
Connor Hvidston - 7 games
Jorian Donovan - 2 games
David Goyette - 2 games
Owen Pickering - 8 games

A few of these guys are locks (Pickering, Wright), but the rest are getting little, to no love in roster predictions. Lots of strong depth guys on this list, could see them beat out the younger crop from the past draft.

 

[Scoresberg]

You guys see Matty Wood having any chance making the team?

 

[joeyrikley]

You guys see Matty Wood having any chance making the team?

Good young player, lock for next year, but production hasn't been where it needs to be to crack this squad as an 18 year old. That being said, being 6'4 definitely boosts his chances at getting a depth role, so you never know