Are we in Canada paranoid about 2026 or should we not be worried?

[JackSlater]

Outside of goaltending a big part of the problem is how disappointing the very top picks, top five let's say, Canada has produced have performed since the strong 2015 draft. So many whiffs, guys who had injuries derail their development, guys who play for the United States, or guys who are Pierre Luc Dubois. Obviously Makar was a homerun and Celebrini falling into Canada's lap is nice, but it's fairly disappointing compared to draft pedigree. Bedard and Lafeniere should still be stars, but even in their cases neither came in as strongly as hoped.

 

[Crosby2010]

Outside of goaltending a big part of the problem is how disappointing the very top picks, top five let's say, Canada has produced have performed since the strong 2015 draft. So many whiffs, guys who had injuries derail their development, guys who play for the United States, or guys who are Pierre Luc Dubois. Obviously Makar was a homerun and Celebrini falling into Canada's lap is nice, but it's fairly disappointing compared to draft pedigree. Bedard and Lafeniere should still be stars, but even in their cases neither came in as strongly as hoped.

There are some whiffs in the draft no doubt after 2015. But that 2020-'24 era is starting to shape up. I can remember the 2003 draft and just how much that carried Canadian international teams. They dominated the 2005 WJC in a way no one ever has. And that draft class was prevalent in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. You might see that same sort of thing in the recent drafts, although nothing is quite like the 2003 draft. Lafreniere is starting to finally take shape and let's be patient with Bedard, he's a smallish 19 year old wonder kid at the moment and he still won the Calder and had 61 points in 68 games last year and is around a PPG this year despite a Hawk team that probably has trouble skating backwards.

 

[ORRFForever]

There are some whiffs in the draft no doubt after 2015. But that 2020-'24 era is starting to shape up. I can remember the 2003 draft and just how much that carried Canadian international teams. They dominated the 2005 WJC in a way no one ever has. And that draft class was prevalent in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. You might see that same sort of thing in the recent drafts, although nothing is quite like the 2003 draft. Lafreniere is starting to finally take shape and let's be patient with Bedard, he's a smallish 19 year old wonder kid at the moment and he still won the Calder and had 61 points in 68 games last year and is around a PPG this year despite a Hawk team that probably has trouble skating backwards.

Bedard's on a 67 point pace at 19 on the worst team I seen in years and posters still dump on him - not directed at you C2010.

It is what it is.

 

[JackSlater]

There are some whiffs in the draft no doubt after 2015. But that 2020-'24 era is starting to shape up. I can remember the 2003 draft and just how much that carried Canadian international teams. They dominated the 2005 WJC in a way no one ever has. And that draft class was prevalent in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. You might see that same sort of thing in the recent drafts, although nothing is quite like the 2003 draft. Lafreniere is starting to finally take shape and let's be patient with Bedard, he's a smallish 19 year old wonder kid at the moment and he still won the Calder and had 61 points in 68 games last year and is around a PPG this year despite a Hawk team that probably has trouble skating backwards.

Sure but it isn't just the 2003 draft. The latter half of the 2000s in general was a strong period for Canada. Had the 2018 Olympics had NHLers Canada would have been ridiculously loaded at that tournament. It would have been an incredible team. 2022 Canada would have been a very clearly less talented team, and 2026 will be less talented still. The trend is in the wrong direction. I'm not sure that things will get righted until there is a big loss that stings pride at a national level. That's what happened in 1996 and 1998. WJC losses and especially iihf world championship losses don't do that, not that Canada has been bad at those levels lately.

I'm fine with waiting for Lafreniere, Bedard, and others. I'd put them on the four nations event team because I believe in their talent going forward. It's a lull period though. There were strong points though, like 2013-2015. There have been a lot of wasted opportunities though.

 

[ORRFForever]

Some posters are acting like the concern over the current lineup is new. Anyone who has been paying attention knows that the 2016-2019 drafts <bleeped> the bed. During those same years, the Americans were having very strong drafts and those players are currently in their prime. I've been talking about this for 4 years.

Having said that, the Canadian lineup is still better than every other country up front. The D is terrific and deep. It's only in Goal where there is a (strong) concern.

Having said all that, the Calvary is on its way. Give the 2020/2021/2022/2023/2024+ drafts a little time to mature. There are ELITE stars a plenty in the pipeline.

 

[ORRFForever]

Canadian kids who are excelling ages 20 – 23…

2019 Draft :

Connor McMichael is PPG+ and having a breakout season.
Thomas Harley (2019) is looking great in Dallas.
Bowen Byram (2019) has 3 goals, 7 assists and is a +7 in Buffalo.

2020 Draft :

LAF (2020) is almost PPG with only 2 PP points.
Cole Perfetti is almost PPG.
Seth Jarvis is almost PPG and a 200 foot ace in Carolina.
D-Man Braden Schneider is 0.5PPG and a +12 in NY.
Will Cuylie is almost PPG with ZERO PPP. @Pavel Buchnevich

2021 Draft :

Owen Power is having a breakout season in Buffalo.
Kent Johnson is PPG in Columbus.
Brandt Clarke is having a great season in LA
Dylan Guenther is almost PPG in Utah and their best player.
Wyatt Johnston in Dallas.
Logan Stankoven is almost PPG in Dallas.

And that does not include players with high end potential…

Dylan Cozens
Quinton Byfield
Jamie Drysdale
Jack Quinn
Dylan Holloway
Kaiden Guhle
Dawson Mercer
Brayden Schneider
Connor Zary
Jake Neighbours
Ridly Grieg
Mavrik Bourque
Luke Evangelista
Mason McTavish
Brennan Othmann
Logan Mailloux
Shane Wright
Connor Geekie
Matt Savoie
Denton Mateychuk

Canadians need to stop worrying ALL THE TIME !

 

[the valiant effort]

Without a big uptick in player over the next 18 days gifting Bedard a spot on the team would be a tad “insulting”. This is not a Crosby ‘06 situation where it was clear he had a motor that could inject that older team with oomph. Canada has no shortage of established forwards playing at a high level and should let such merit fill the team.

 

[ORRFForever]

Bedard - Mcdavid - Reinhart
Marner - Crosby - Mackinnon
Koneckny - Point - Stone
Schiefele - Thomas - Lafreniere
Hyman / Verhaghe

Toews - Makar
Morrisey - Pietrangelo
Doughty - Dobson
Pelech / Bouchard

Binnington
Hill ?
Someone?

I think Canada brass will look at this tournament as a 2026 Olympic rehearsal, with an eye toward the future. I think that lineup would beat anybody. The first 3 lines all have insane scoring, transition/ puck control and leadership. The 4th line is a bit of an x factor - probably the strongest 4th line in the tournament. We need guys like Konecky and Doughty to counteract the Tkachuk bullsheet that im sure we will have to deal with.

The defence is solidly 2nd best in the world. USA has better top 3 D but our depth is crazy good. Who the H3ll knows how the goaltending will shape out.

I'm glad you included Konecny. At 27, he's in his prime and he's tearing things up in Philly. Do you think he can play on the Left side, though?

 

[ORRFForever]

Without a big uptick in player over the next 18 days gifting Bedard a spot on the team would be a tad “insulting”. This is not a Crosby ‘06 situation where it was clear he had a motor that could inject that older team with oomph. Canada has no shortage of established forwards playing at a high level and should let such merit fill the team.

Well said.

 

[ORRFForever]

A little old in the tooth but Matt Duchene has played his way onto my team. He fills out the left side nicely. And he can take faceoffs...

Hagel - McDavid*- Konecny : A line in their prime <-- that ALMOST rhymes.

Duchene* - MacKinnon - Scheifele* : Duchene & Scheifele have played their way onto the team / great seasons!

Marchand - Crosby* - Reinhart : One of these things just doesn't belong here. Come on, can you tell me which one?

Bennett*- Stone - Marner : Fantastic 4th line.

I'd dump Marchand (like a hot rock) if given the chance but he's locked in. Why? What was HC thinking? If Marchand does NOT play, LAF Duchene can play on the first line, McMichael on the 2nd and Hagel on the 3rd.

Brayden Point is hurt.

While it's not the youngest offensive team in the tournament, it's younger than I thought / feared it would be a year ago. It's also well rounded. There is ZERO weakness up front. The forwards are terrific and the least of our worries.

 

[ORRFForever]

Bedard looks miserable out there. LOL. He can't even hit the net.

So.... Why wasn't Kevin Korchinski allowed to play at the WJR's last year?

I am so tired of NHL teams rushing young Canadian talent. Unless you are Sid or McDavid, keep them out of the NHL until they are 20.

 

[Nucks2001]

Canadian kids who are excelling ages 20 – 23…

2019 Draft :

Connor McMichael is PPG+ and having a breakout season.
Thomas Harley (2019) is looking great in Dallas.
Bowen Byram (2019) has 3 goals, 7 assists and is a +7 in Buffalo.

2020 Draft :

LAF (2020) is almost PPG with only 2 PP points.
Cole Perfetti is almost PPG.
Seth Jarvis is almost PPG and a 200 foot ace in Carolina.
D-Man Braden Schneider is 0.5PPG and a +12 in NY.
Will Cuylie is almost PPG with ZERO PPP. @Pavel Buchnevich

2021 Draft :

Owen Power is having a breakout season in Buffalo.
Kent Johnson is PPG in Columbus.
Brandt Clarke is having a great season in LA
Dylan Guenther is almost PPG in Utah and their best player.
Wyatt Johnston in Dallas.
Logan Stankoven is almost PPG in Dallas.

And that does not include players with high end potential…

Dylan Cozens
Quinton Byfield
Jamie Drysdale
Jack Quinn
Dylan Holloway
Kaiden Guhle
Dawson Mercer
Brayden Schneider
Connor Zary
Jake Neighbours
Ridly Grieg
Mavrik Bourque
Luke Evangelista
Mason McTavish
Brennan Othmann
Logan Mailloux
Shane Wright
Connor Geekie
Matt Savoie
Denton Mateychuk

Canadians need to stop worrying ALL THE TIME !

None of the players you mentioned have recorded a PPG season in the NHL, let alone a 70pt season. Agreed that the future is bright, but let’s pump the brakes and wait for the Canadian kids to actually prove themselves like the American kiddies.

 

[ORRFForever]

Connor McMichael is spitting fire in Washington. He might break Gretzky's all time goal scoring record before O.V. does. He has his 12th of the season.

McMichael gives Canada another Left handed option if Brad Marchand bows out - wishful thinking on my part. And he's only 23.

 

[Crosby2010]

Sure but it isn't just the 2003 draft. The latter half of the 2000s in general was a strong period for Canada. Had the 2018 Olympics had NHLers Canada would have been ridiculously loaded at that tournament. It would have been an incredible team. 2022 Canada would have been a very clearly less talented team, and 2026 will be less talented still. The trend is in the wrong direction. I'm not sure that things will get righted until there is a big loss that stings pride at a national level. That's what happened in 1996 and 1998. WJC losses and especially iihf world championship losses don't do that, not that Canada has been bad at those levels lately.

I'm fine with waiting for Lafreniere, Bedard, and others. I'd put them on the four nations event team because I believe in their talent going forward. It's a lull period though. There were strong points though, like 2013-2015. There have been a lot of wasted opportunities though.

Didn't we all just drool over that 2018 team? 2022 was still stacked but I think there were a couple of factors like some older players getting older and some more questions in net. Although you still had a Price, Fleury and Binnington trio in net. And even with Price injured it wasn't a concern.

But 2018, that was the time for the McDavid/Crosby team. There were situations where you didn't have Tavares/Stamkos/Giroux/Scheifele on the team. Taylor Hall won the Hart that year and not everyone was sold on him being on the team. That would have been a team that had 90% future HHOFers. Similar to something like the 1976 Canada Cup team.

Bedard's on a 67 point pace at 19 on the worst team I seen in years and posters still dump on him - not directed at you C2010.

It is what it is.

I am fine with him. The kid can barely legally drink - even in Canada. In his junior year they were pegging him to be Crosby or McDavid. Time will tell, but that is going to be very difficult to achieve any of their careers. I can still see him on the 2026 Olympic team though. That's still a lot of time to show his worth.

 

[JackSlater]

Didn't we all just drool over that 2018 team? 2022 was still stacked but I think there were a couple of factors like some older players getting older and some more questions in net. Although you still had a Price, Fleury and Binnington trio in net. And even with Price injured it wasn't a concern.

But 2018, that was the time for the McDavid/Crosby team. There were situations where you didn't have Tavares/Stamkos/Giroux/Scheifele on the team. Taylor Hall won the Hart that year and not everyone was sold on him being on the team. That would have been a team that had 90% future HHOFers. Similar to something like the 1976 Canada Cup team.



I am fine with him. The kid can barely legally drink - even in Canada. In his junior year they were pegging him to be Crosby or McDavid. Time will tell, but that is going to be very difficult to achieve any of their careers. I can still see him on the 2026 Olympic team though. That's still a lot of time to show his worth.

Bedard was never going to be Crosby or McDavid. They are arguably top ten players of all time. If Bedard can be a top ten player in the NHL for years then that's satisfactory. He has the talent to do that.

I was nervous of Canada's goaltending in 2022. I'd never trust Fleury in a meaningful game, and I don't like Binnington much either. I never decided who I wanted in goal in 2022 because the closer the Olympics got the more it seemed clear the NHL would not be there.

Off the top of my head, I will give my 2018 team. I know it is close to what I wanted at the time but I am not going to bother looking for that team.

Marchand Crosby Bergeron
Benn McDavid Seguin
Giroux Tavares MacKinnon
Hall Couturier Stone
O'Reilly

Vlasic Doughty
Rielly Pietrangelo
Giordano Burns
Subban

Price

Something like that. Loaded compared to seven years later. Also would have been Canada's chance to get McDavid and MacKinnon accustomed to that level. This event gives the chance to make up a bit for lost time on that front.

 

[ORRFForever]

Marner has been a BEAST, tonight, against Edmonton. Absolutely everywhere from a defensive POV.

Why can't he be THAT guy in the playoffs?

Let's hope Marner's on the 4th line and will be a difference maker at a BoB. Unfortunately, my guess, they'll include Marner but NOT on the 4th line and he'll disappoint.

Edit :

He got the winner in O.T..

 

[ORRFForever]

I don't understand the infatuation with the possible 2018 group. Yes, they had some big names but the players, today, are just as good. They just haven't had the chance to prove themselves on the international stage.

 

[ORRFForever]

How can the Oilers have 2 defensive players like Bouchard and Nurse? Every time they are on the ice, you expect something BAD - and very often they deliver. One player like that is bad enough but two?

Neither should be on Team Canada... EVER!!!

 

[ORRFForever]

(* I have NOT done this in a while. *)

ORRFF Stats Watch (November 16, 2024)

Positives :

* Mitch Marner was a BEAST, tonight - his 6th Goal (unassisted in O.T.) and 18th Assist. He was everywhere!
Marner and John Tavares have really taken over since Matthews when down.
* Travis Konecny with his 10th and 11th Goal plus his 11th Assist.
* Jared McCann with his 9th Goal.
* McDavid with his 7th Goal and 14th Assist.
* Sid with his 7th Goal.
* Nick Suzuki with his 7th Goal
* Bobby McMann with his 5th and 6th Goal.
* Underrated Mason Marchment with his 5th and 6th Goal.
* Anthony Cirelli with his 4th Goal and 12th Assist.
* Sam Reinhart with his 13th, 14th and 15th Assist - he needs to be considered for League MVP.
* Sam Bennett with his 8th Assist.
* Colton Parayko with his 7th Assist.

Goalies :

* MacKenzie Blackwood (SJ) gave up 1 goal on 26 shots.
* Sam Montembeault (Mont) gave up 1 goal on 26 shots.
* Binnington (St L) with the win - gave up 2 goals on 17 shots.
* Stu Skinner (Edm) was HORRIBLE in O.T. - that goal can NOT go in.
* Devon Levi (Buf) gave up 4 goals in 31 shots in the loss to the Flyers.
* Cam Talbot (Det) gave up 3 Goals on 40 shots in the loss to L.A..

Negatives :

* Shane Wright.
* Byfield!

Can Kings' Byfield Live Up to New Contract? - Los Angeles Sports Nation

With a brand new contract in hand, Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield is looking forward to the 2024-25 NHL season. Although there are still questions, he is looking to have an increased role as Los Angeles heads into a season geared toward winning another Stanley Cup. Kings, Byfield Set...

laxsportsnation.com

Nope. Not so far.

 

[ORRFForever]

There is something missing with Bedard right now. He has NO energy, he's not engaged, he's out of position and he's not shooting - and when he does shoot, he can't hit the net. He does not look good in period one or two vs Vancouver.

Something positive needs to happen to light a fire under the kid. Obviously, he should NOT be on Team Canada in February.

Edit :

He was the worst player on the ice in tonight's game vs Vancouver - no exaggeration. That included the flub a center ice with an empty net that cost the Blackhawks any chance of coming back.

The kid needs to sit. A little time in the AHL would not hurt.

 

[ORRFForever]

I can't imagine the Argos winning, tomorrow, but I hope they keep it close - I don't want a blow out.

 

[ORRFForever]

What a difference a month makes.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10139052-updated-team-canada-projections-for-2025-four-nations-face-off-october-2024

Hyman, Stamkos, Bedard, Hamilton and Bouchard. If they send this team, I won't watch.

****************************************************************************************************************

What a difference 2 weeks makes...

Projecting every 4 Nations Face-Off roster, one month before teams are finalized

Rosters for Canada, Finland, Sweden and USA will be submitted Dec. 2.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

We have the same 3rd line but NO one on his Left side (Hyman, LAF, Bedard, Stamkos) should make the team - minus Marchand who is unfortunately locked in

*****************************************************************************************************************

What a difference a week makes.

What’s changed with Team Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster projection?

Less than a month until Team Canada's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off needs to be finalized, Justin Bourne looks at what's changed from a lineup he built last February.

www.sportsnet.ca

Some of these players are ice cold and should be replaced with someone hot - Hyman, LAF, Bedard and Point is hurt. Send players who are HOT.

 

[Nucks2001]

What a difference a month makes.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10139052-updated-team-canada-projections-for-2025-four-nations-face-off-october-2024

Hyman, Stamkos, Bedard, Hamilton and Bouchard. If they send this team, I won't watch.

****************************************************************************************************************

What a difference 2 weeks makes...

Projecting every 4 Nations Face-Off roster, one month before teams are finalized

Rosters for Canada, Finland, Sweden and USA will be submitted Dec. 2.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

We have the same 3rd line but NO one on his Left side (Hyman, LAF, Bedard, Stamkos) should make the team - minus Marchand who is unfortunately locked in

*****************************************************************************************************************

What a difference a week makes.

What’s changed with Team Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster projection?

Less than a month until Team Canada's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off needs to be finalized, Justin Bourne looks at what's changed from a lineup he built last February.

www.sportsnet.ca

Some of these players are ice cold and should be replaced with someone hot - Hyman, LAF, Bedard and Point is hurt. Send players who are HOT.

The problem is that you’re gambling. The rosters are finalized at the beginning of Decmeber. What if Bedard and Laf pop off after that? Canada needs a balance of skill and players riding hot.

 

[Crosby2010]

Bedard was never going to be Crosby or McDavid. They are arguably top ten players of all time. If Bedard can be a top ten player in the NHL for years then that's satisfactory. He has the talent to do that.

I was nervous of Canada's goaltending in 2022. I'd never trust Fleury in a meaningful game, and I don't like Binnington much either. I never decided who I wanted in goal in 2022 because the closer the Olympics got the more it seemed clear the NHL would not be there.

Off the top of my head, I will give my 2018 team. I know it is close to what I wanted at the time but I am not going to bother looking for that team.

Marchand Crosby Bergeron
Benn McDavid Seguin
Giroux Tavares MacKinnon
Hall Couturier Stone
O'Reilly

Vlasic Doughty
Rielly Pietrangelo
Giordano Burns
Subban

Price

Something like that. Loaded compared to seven years later. Also would have been Canada's chance to get McDavid and MacKinnon accustomed to that level. This event gives the chance to make up a bit for lost time on that front.

No Letang even eh? Would have been really hard to keep Stamkos off of that team though.

How can the Oilers have 2 defensive players like Bouchard and Nurse? Every time they are on the ice, you expect something BAD - and very often they deliver. One player like that is bad enough but two?

Neither should be on Team Canada... EVER!!!

Bouchard will be on the 2026 team for sure. Hard to imagine him not. Nurse has no shot. 5th in Norris voting last year, 32 playoff points.