WJC: 2025 Team Canada Roster Talk

[ORRFForever]

Bedard should not have played a lick of junior anything following his 17 year old season. He has to learn to adapt against grown men, WJCs do nothing for him at this point. Complete disagree.

Fantilli, maybe, but he was more than good enough as a D+1 player in the NHL. Mostly disagree.

Benson's physique could have used more time to develop as he still looks small out there; his brain was absolutely NHL ready. Take it or leave it, but I think it would be have been nice to have one tourney under his belt.

Wright hasn't been in a position to dominate in several years; I bet he didn't want to go back, but I lean towards him playing as well.

Korchinski, that one made no sense to keep him away from the tourney, what a botched job by Chicago.

Well said.

 

[ORRFForever]

Parekh over Yakemchuk is ridiculous. I’d sooner fire the nepotistic coach than let him choose his own player over a better player.

Why am I even supposed to believe Parekh is better than DuPont?

I LOVE Christmas and the World Juniors makes it even better.

 

[Mathieukferland]

If Misa's play can't even garner a camp invite, I don't know what to say.

It’s a political thing I think; this is just secondhand information so take that for what it’s worth but in a similar manner to Savoie, he has never been very popular with Hockey Canada after apparently threatening to go the steel/NCAA route during his ES process. And there were some bad feelings after his brother wasn’t invited for the summer camp.

I think it would be crazy to leave him (in addition to all those other names) off, he’s been a top 3 player in the OHL this season, but the dinosaurs Anholt and Salmond are still running the show, and predictably depth scoring will be gutted for role players if this projection is true


Edit: I see they have Cristal as an alternate, god no. Perimeter player that had a terrible u18 and is a power play merchant, can’t even fathom he’d be there in front Sennecke or Misa

 

[hockey20000]

View attachment 933552

"Other names we often get questions about, like exceptional status player and OHL leading scorer Michael Misa and Montreal Canadiens first-rounder Michael Hage, aren’t even factors for selection camp invites, let alone the roster."

I don't think Wheeler/Pronman are off base here, because this is what Hockey Canada always does, but if they leave off all of Nadeau, Heidt, Sennecke, Iginla, Misa and Yakemchuk (I know all can't make it) in favour of guys like Barkey, Cataford, Beaudoin and Gibson, this will be an abomination. If Misa's play can't even garner a camp invite, I don't know what to say. We would also be the only nation stupid enough to leave off a 6'4 3rd overall pick on pace for 50 goals or an AHL player with NHL experience for a grinder.

There is more than enough penalty killers and defensive acumen available that we do not need to sacrifice top-10 NHL picks for grinders. We're likely going to have to outscore a USA team with Smith, Leonard, Perreault, Hagens, Eiserman, Musty, Moore, Nelson, etc. I can maybe get behind keeping one of Barkey, Cataford or Beaudoin to supplement Cowan and Luchanko purely for PK/faceoffs/defensive matchups, but not all three.

I also don't want to see someone like Gibson anywhere near this team. I get the appeal of a shutdown only guy in a short tournament, but this isn't 2006 anymore. Just look at the USA last year. They won, in part, because Hutson, Buium and Casey dominated with puck possession, speed, transition and breakout play, while we were stuck with Noah Warren, Jake Furlong and Jorian Donovan.

parekh on the team yikes i hope not lol

 

[HighLifeMan]

Parekh over Yakemchuk is ridiculous. I’d sooner fire the nepotistic coach than let him choose his own player over a better player.

Why am I even supposed to believe Parekh is better than DuPont?

It's nepotism because it doesn't align with your views?

We are talking about a top 10 draft pick here.. He very much has the skillset, ability, and pedigree to make the team regardless of who is on the coaching staff.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

It's nepotism because it doesn't align with your views?

We are talking about a top 10 draft pick here.. He very much has the skillset, ability, and pedigree to make the team regardless of who is on the coaching staff.

Yakemchuk made an NHL team. They ended up sending him back because there’s a good chance it wouldn’t have lasted, but that doesn’t mean what he showed there is irrelevant. That should matter for a lot and get him a spot here I think. What has Parekh done remotely comparable to that?

 

[HighLifeMan]

Yakemchuk made an NHL team. They ended up sending him back because there’s a good chance it wouldn’t have lasted, but that doesn’t mean what he showed there is irrelevant. That should matter for a lot and get him a spot here I think. What has Parekh done remotely comparable to that?

Yakemchuk would have played NHL games if he made the team - he didn't. Parekh may not have had a standout preseason but he's also coming off a season in which he won OHL and CHL defensive player of the year honors, a memorial cup, and a gold a the Hlinka.

It seems strange to single out Parekh out of all the players listed and to claim nepotism would be involved in the decision.

Both players should be on the team.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Yakemchuk would have played NHL games if he made the team - he didn't. Parekh may not have had a standout preseason but he's also coming off a season in which he won OHL and CHL defensive player of the year honors, a memorial cup, and a gold a the Hlinka.

It seems strange to single out Parekh out of all the players listed and to claim nepotism would be involved in the decision.

Both players should be on the team.

I’m no Sens fan, but it’s pretty much common knowledge that Yakemchuk was one of their best players in preseason and earned a spot and they did the right thing not playing around with a player who might’ve not had 82 NHL games in him (+ a potential playoffs that now looks nonexistent) and sent him back to junior because that was a more sustainable solution for this season.

The article pretty much suggests it’s one or the other (and DuPont might also fit into that), so that’s why I make these comparisons. They seem to matter.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Parekh over Yakemchuk is ridiculous. I’d sooner fire the nepotistic coach than let him choose his own player over a better player.

Why am I even supposed to believe Parekh is better than DuPont?

Canada was awful at scoring last tournament. Parekh had 96 points last year and won the mem cup with a very strong tournament. He also has an edge to his game that'll be helpful against the more aggressive teams.

 

[BondraTime]

DuPont isn’t factoring into anything. They aren’t inviting a 15 year old, for better or worse.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

What is the nepotism involved in the Parekh situation? Cameron (67s) is the coach, Parekh plays for Saginaw.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

What is the nepotism involved in the Parekh situation? Cameron (67s) is the coach, Parekh plays for Saginaw.

The article states that one of the assistant coaches is Parekh's junior coach.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

The article states that one of the assistant coaches is Parekh's junior coach.

Maybe Lazary can use his influence to get Misa on the team then….? But in all seriousness how much sway do you think the assistant coach really has on the selection process? I’d imagine they’re pretty far down the totem pole, considering there’s also a management team in place and Cameron is no pushover. The dude is pushing 70, this will almost certainly be his final gig with the national team. There will be some odd selections (there always are) but this will be Cameron’s team for better or for worse, it’ll be the team that he’ll try and win gold with, and he’ll be the one to wear it publicly if they come up short.

Ideally Canada selects both Parekh and Yakemchuk. Shouldn’t be a debate between one or the other imho. Talent wins in this tournament. A few years ago Canada selected Jack Matier - a very good OHL d-man - but in well over his head at the national team level. Canada should always select the most talented players. With respect to Parekh the reining OHL and CHL d-man of the year at least merits strong consideration.

Besides, this article is one guys opinion/guess at a roster. Meant to stir up discussion. I’ll air my grievances about the roster later in December once it’s final.

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

Parekh should absolutely be on the team, honestly can't believe that's a controversial statement.

 

[Digital Dog]

In fairness there is a bit of Ryan Merkley when it comes to Parekh. Amazing offensive upside, far less impressive on D and although Zayne might not be on the level Merkley was bad attitude wise, he is pretty damn cocky.

Hockey Canada could very well not be a fan of his lack of humilty, they certianly despised Merkley and snubbed him as a result.

However, im not saying Parekh shouldnt be on the team but i can a least see the beginnings of an argument to say he isnt neccesarily a lock

 

[hockey20000]

Parekh should absolutely be on the team, honestly can't believe that's a controversial statement.

i would rather he didn't his attitude alone rubs me the wrong way tbh..that and he absolutely sucks defensively.

 

[newfy]

In fairness there is a bit of Ryan Merkley when it comes to Parekh. Amazing offensive upside, far less impressive on D and although Zayne might not be on the level Merkley was bad attitude wise, he is pretty damn cocky.

Hockey Canada could very well not be a fan of his lack of humilty, they certianly despised Merkley and snubbed him as a result.

However, im not saying Parekh shouldnt be on the team but i can a least see the beginnings of an argument to say he isnt neccesarily a lock

From what I understand Parekh is cocky/has some swagger on the ice but it stops there. Merkley had that, but it wasn't the issue. The real issue was that he was a complete cancer, room killer and coach's nightmare off the ice.

If Merkley didn't have that going on off the ice, I don't think Hockey Canada would've minded at all

 

[NordiquesForeva]

In fairness there is a bit of Ryan Merkley when it comes to Parekh. Amazing offensive upside, far less impressive on D and although Zayne might not be on the level Merkley was bad attitude wise, he is pretty damn cocky.

Hockey Canada could very well not be a fan of his lack of humilty, they certianly despised Merkley and snubbed him as a result.

However, im not saying Parekh shouldnt be on the team but i can a least see the beginnings of an argument to say he isnt neccesarily a lock

I also don't think Parekh is a lock. He plays with a lot of swagger and an attitude, but can certainly back it up with his play. He plays with an edge too. His defensive shortcomings are well-known.

To me, the swagger/attitude cuts both ways...on one hand the coaching staff/management team might feel he'd be detrimental to team chemistry over a short tournament. On the other hand, I'd be very confident that he has the right frame of mind to excel in a gold medal game scenario on home ice in Ottawa, and wouldn't let the moment get too big for him. I think he'd be THE player we'd want out on the ice if we're down by a goal in that scenario.

Players with questionable attitudes get selected to Team Canada all the time btw. Parekh, if selected, won't be the first nor would he be the last.

 

[Dack]

Yakemchuk made an NHL team. They ended up sending him back because there’s a good chance it wouldn’t have lasted, but that doesn’t mean what he showed there is irrelevant. That should matter for a lot and get him a spot here I think. What has Parekh done remotely comparable to that?

I’m no Sens fan, but it’s pretty much common knowledge that Yakemchuk was one of their best players in preseason and earned a spot and they did the right thing not playing around with a player who might’ve not had 82 NHL games in him (+ a potential playoffs that now looks nonexistent) and sent him back to junior because that was a more sustainable solution for this season.

The article pretty much suggests it’s one or the other (and DuPont might also fit into that), so that’s why I make these comparisons. They seem to matter.

Preseason means basically nothing. Sam Honzek lead the Flames in scoring this preseason and looked like he was one of our 6 best forwards going into the season.Then the season started and he looked in over his head consistently in the few regular season games he played, got injured on a reverse hit and now has 3 points in 7 AHL games.

Guys being locks because they made or almost made an NHL team is stupid precedent. Last year we had Fraser Minten and Matthew Poitras as locks who played up the lineup basically because they both made/almost made NHL teams that were hurting for depth (and age but thats a whole other can of worms). Neither guy played up to the playing time they received. Both probably should've been on the bubble rather than locks to make the team.

As for Parekh, I know you aren't a fan but I'll say while his game certainly has its fair share of warts he's the best offensive D option realistically (I do not think DuPont makes the team, 15 year olds never make the team, a 15 year old D-man would be insane) and I think his defense looks better on a team that isn't Saginaw. I've watched a lot of Saginaw games and if there is any defensive structure or philosophy, I couldn't tell you what it is. But it allows odd man rushes without the need for a clear defensive break down, consistently sees its defense pinch with no support and allows guys to sneak into the slot for scoring chances uncontested.

 

[Miller Time]

The way Hage has been playing this season, and since he returned from injury last season, it would be criminal for him not to get an invite to camp... If he does, hard to see him not make the team if he shows up the same way.

 

[JackSlater]

The way Hage has been playing this season, and since he returned from injury last season, it would be criminal for him not to get an invite to camp... If he does, hard to see him not make the team if he shows up the same way.

They should have a real camp as they used to and invite guys like Hage. I really doubt he will make the team but there should be 20+ forwards at the camp based on quality. They have become too comfortable with the idea that the management/coaches already know who they want and that is acceptable, so you get things like Letang botching Canada's goaltending situation last year when that would not have happened before.

 

[Michanko]

does anyone know when camp invites are announced?

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

They should have a real camp as they used to and invite guys like Hage. I really doubt he will make the team but there should be 20+ forwards at the camp based on quality. They have become too comfortable with the idea that the management/coaches already know who they want and that is acceptable, so you get things like Letang botching Canada's goaltending situation last year when that would not have happened before.

Everything you say here is true, and that's unfortunately why it will continue as such.

 

[wetcoast]

Yakemchuk made an NHL team. They ended up sending him back because there’s a good chance it wouldn’t have lasted, but that doesn’t mean what he showed there is irrelevant. That should matter for a lot and get him a spot here I think. What has Parekh done remotely comparable to that?

I get what you are saying and it sounds plausible but the more one chews on it the tougher it is to swallow and at some point you wonder if the gut reaction was the right one here.