Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
It looks like Caufield is on the outside looking in: Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield on outside looking in of Team USA 4 Nations roster | TSN
I still prefer Sanderson but I don’t hate the idea of bringing Carlo, McDonagh or Vlasic as a reserve if we need some snarl/size on the backend.I know a lot of people are putting Werenski and Carlson on their lists, but I'd much rather have elite defensive guys. We already have Hughes and Fox to QB a PP.
Slavin - Fox
Hughes - Faber
Vlasic - McAvoy
McDonagh
Vlasic is really incredible, at this point I think he's overtaken McDonagh. He's the best American defender aside from Slavin IMO. Vlasic - McAvoy would be an awesome shutdown 3rd pairing.
It honestly makes sense, who can he realistically replaceThat’s not already on the team?It looks like Caufield is on the outside looking in: Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield on outside looking in of Team USA 4 Nations roster | TSN
TBH, I don't have any real issues with selecting any of the guys you've listed other than maybe Tuch- but the reason for that is guys like Robertson, Thompson, Boldy, and to a lesser extent, Miller- aren't really "gritty" or physical players. They're just taller finesse players.
I still prefer Sanderson but I don’t hate the idea of bringing Carlo, McDonagh or Vlasic as a reserve if we need some snarl/size on the backend.
I’d prefer we leave Werenski & Carlson home
No issues with that. I think you build from the following 8 DI think McDonagh’s experience and ability to play both sides effectively might give him the inside track for a reserve spot. Though it’s possible they’d want to take more of the younger guys with eyes on 2026.
Miller is tailor made for a tournament like this, just like how Kesler showed up big time in 2010. (Miller being more talented than Kesler at that).I think JT Miller should be more in a shut down role, he’s going to be a huge factor against McDavid, Basically his counter.
This USA team though is unbelievable
Yeah, he looks pretty banged up and that is going to be a factor in this tournament and where depth comes in. If you envision him at center, you would then to consider the likes of Trocheck and Nelson for what would probably be a 4th line role.Miller is tailor made for a tournament like this, just like how Kesler showed up big time in 2010. (Miller being more talented than Kesler at that).
But he's playing through injury right now and by his standards, he looks pretty bad out there.
If he's back to 100% by February, then I'd be interested in seeing him on a line with Eichel, matched up against the top lines of other teams.
It looks like Caufield is on the outside looking in: Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield on outside looking in of Team USA 4 Nations roster | TSN
Agree 100%. I think Boldy-Eichel-Miller is an extremely intriguing two-way line. Be a complete nightmare to play againstMiller is tailor made for a tournament like this, just like how Kesler showed up big time in 2010. (Miller being more talented than Kesler at that).
But he's playing through injury right now and by his standards, he looks pretty bad out there.
If he's back to 100% by February, then I'd be interested in seeing him on a line with Eichel, matched up against the top lines of other teams.
Not like you need 4 goalies for a four game thing.With Demko injured and Swayman struggling our depth in goal is a bit thinner than it was to start the season. Hellebucyk and Oettinger is still a great tandem though.
That's true. I think we're also fortunate that most of the favorites for the team are having good/great seasons so far. Some exceptions would be a guy like Jason Robertson who isn't putting up the points.Not like you need 4 goalies for a four game thing.
If you had Hellebuyck and then like Anthony Stolarz came along as the Backup, it'd be chill.
Wouldn't want Carlo anywhere near this team even as a reserve. He has been brutal this season.No issues with that. I think you build from the following 8 D
LHD: Hughes, Slavin, Sanderson, McDonagh
RHD: Fox, McAvoy, Faber, Carlo
Carlson & Werenski bring redundant skillsets to guys that are better than them. I can’t get over how awful Werenski was for USA last summer, so admittedly I’m using a small sample size. If we want a steady veteran, I like McDonagh’s game more than Carlson’s from a fit perspective.
Disappointing to hear, someone with his skillset would provide nice insurance. None of the other guys are especially physical or bigWouldn't want Carlo anywhere near this team even as a reserve. He has been brutal this season.
Yeah we might have some issues here....Well, Matthews is in Munich seeing a specialist and Miller has taken an indefinite leave of absence! I'd actually strongly consider Caufield. His game is rounding into form and for a small guy is feisty with a lot of grit. Put him with a bigger center and some muscle on the other wing (like a Tkachuk) and he'd be good.
Thompson is also injured. Not sure on his timeline to return. If Matthews and Miller end up not available, I'd probably go up the middle:Yeah we might have some issues here....
Hughes and Thompson could handle down the middle with Eichel and Larkin...but much rather have Matthews and Miller there...maybe Trocheck would get a shot too
US could still take Carlo. Wouldn't suprose me at all. Maybe Carlo turns it around. But has been awful this season.Disappointing to hear, someone with his skillset would provide nice insurance. None of the other guys are especially physical or big
I am definitely down with Nelson. Should be on the team regardless imoThompson is also injured. Not sure on his timeline to return. If Matthews and Miller end up not available, I'd probably go up the middle:
Eichel
Larkin
Trocheck
Nelson
Hughes will be on this team but likely on the wing. Same with Guentzel.
Beniers? He’s not scoring but he’s got speed and could provide good energy on a 4th line. Maybe his defensive reputation is better than the reality, I haven’t watched him enough to sayThompson is also injured. Not sure on his timeline to return. If Matthews and Miller end up not available, I'd probably go up the middle:
Eichel
Larkin
Trocheck
Nelson
Hughes will be on this team but likely on the wing. Same with Guentzel.