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

[ORRFForever]

I'm not sure I understand the Marchand hate. I understand his production has slowed down a bit but I think he's a good asset and deserves a spot on this team. He plays with an edge, can play a 200ft game up and down a lineup, has a knack for scoring clutch goals and producing in the playoffs. Oh and a natural LW, the FWD position with the least amount of elite options for team Canada.

Not "hate". He WAS awesome. Maybe he still is. I just think we can do better... and younger.

We'll know more in February - I'm not sure he makes the Olympic team.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Not "hate". He WAS awesome. Maybe he still is. I just think we can do better... and younger.

We'll know more in February - I'm not sure he makes the Olympic team.

The biggest issue was picking him so early. Those picks are the no doubt guys. Picking a guy who maybe will come good and maybe won’t makes it a failure. Those should be the picks you don’t worry about.

 

[minibrodeur]

The biggest issue was picking him so early. Those picks are the no doubt guys. Picking a guy who maybe will come good and maybe won’t makes it a failure. Those should be the picks you don’t worry about.

I personally think he's a pretty safe pick, has proven chemistry with Crosby, lots of international success. If I were to choose now maybe Reinhart over him, but the picks were made this summer and there was uncertainty he could continue his elite production. Who would you have chosen instead?

 

[ORRFForever]

I personally think he's a pretty safe pick, has proven chemistry with Crosby, lots of international success. If I were to choose now maybe Reinhart over him, but the picks were made this summer and there was uncertainty he could continue his elite production. Who would you have chosen instead?

Like you said, Reinhart. My guess : Hockey Canada would have chosen Stamkos or Tavares.

 

[JackSlater]

Sweeney is the GM of Canada's team at the four nations event, it isn't that shocking that Marchand was picked. It's not the end of the world, he's adequate offensively, can PK, and brings a somewhat different element.

Regarding Mike Smith, he was the expected choice for Canada's third goaltender in 2014. Fleury was not expected as he was pretty much a league average goaltender who had multiple playoff flame outs. In the thread where people predicted Canada's 2014 Olympic roster the majority correctly had Price, Luongo, and Smith as the goaltenders.

 

[minibrodeur]

Not "hate". He WAS awesome. Maybe he still is. I just think we can do better... and younger.

We'll know more in February - I'm not sure he makes the Olympic team.

The 4 nations is a short tournament, I am expecting this team to be an experienced group as durability isn't a big factor. Maturity, role playing, versatility all super important. I would love to see the Bedards, Guenthers and Wyatts but I don't think they're quite ready yet. I don't even think Bouchard makes the team. LAF is real close wouldn't be surprised either way, although fully expect him there in 2026. I think the 4 Nations will give us a pretty good indication on if we need to go younger.

 

[ORRFForever]

Using my AWESOME lineup as an example, you want your players to be in the sweet spot age 25 to 29. With today's conditioning, 30 - 34 is okay. After 35, unless your Sid, you have to do better...

Hagel (26) - McDavid* (27) - Reinhart (29)

Duchene* (33) - MacKinnon (29) - Scheifele* (31)

Marchand (36) - Crosby* (37) - Konecny (27) / Stone (32)

Bennett (28) - Point * (28) - Marner (27)

 

[minibrodeur]

Like you said, Reinhart. My guess : Hockey Canada would have chosen Stamkos or Tavares.

Yea Reinhart now that he's shown last year wasn't a 1 off, but this summer it was much harder to call him a sure thing after he pretty much doubled his career goal totals and went from a 60pt player to a 90 pt player. As for Stamkos and Tavares I can't call them no doubt guys, I'm not sure they even make it.

 

[ORRFForever]

The 4 nations is a short tournament, I am expecting this team to be an experienced group as durability isn't a big factor. Maturity, role playing, versatility all super important. I would love to see the Bedards, Guenthers and Wyatts but I don't think they're quite ready yet. I don't even think Bouchard makes the team. LAF is real close wouldn't be surprised either way, although fully expect him there in 2026. I think the 4 Nations will give us a pretty good indication on if we need to go younger.

I agree, 100%. I see 4 Nations as a dry run for the Olympics.

The question is, especially since Team Canada has won with players in the past, when do you make the change to younger players? It can't be an easy decision.

Yea Reinhart now that he's shown last year wasn't a 1 off, but this summer it was much harder to call him a sure thing after he pretty much doubled his career goal totals and went from a 60pt player to a 90 pt player. As for Stamkos and Tavares I can't call them no doubt guys, I'm not sure they even make it.

I would not have gone with Stamkos or Tavares. I just know Hockey Canada likes to go with guys they know and who've won in the past. That's why I think HC would have named Stamkos or Tavares.

The smart move might have been to name another D-Man - instead of Marchand.

 

[minibrodeur]

I agree, 100%. I see 4 Nations as a dry run for the Olympics.

The question is, especially since Team Canada has won with players in the past, when do you make the change to younger players? It can't be an easy decision.


I would not have gone with Stamkos or Tavares. I just know Hockey Canada likes to go with guys they know and who've won in the past. That's why I think HC would have named Stamkos or Tavares.

The smart move might have been to name another D-Man - instead of Marchand.

Ah totally agree on the Stamkos Tavares/ familiarity thing. I'm also not sure we have another lock on Defence. Toews gets pencilled in because he's a solid 2-way player who has great chemistry with Makar. Morrissey/Theodore/ Pietrangelo? Like they're good players but those choices would also have been criticized.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I personally think he's a pretty safe pick, has proven chemistry with Crosby, lots of international success. If I were to choose now maybe Reinhart over him, but the picks were made this summer and there was uncertainty he could continue his elite production. Who would you have chosen instead?

It’s five picks, right?

Makar, McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Point/Marner

Think those are all extremely safe picks in June or whenever it was picked to still be clear selections in December.

 

[Crosby2010]

Eh.. I always thought Fleury was overrated. The 2016 Run was pretty much all Matt Murray and split the 2017 playoffs with him. He was huge in that 2017 run though, not diminishing that. I guess what I’m trying to argue is that I don’t think Fleury was ever a top 5 goalie in the NHL or if he was, it might have been for a couple of seasons.

From 2006-2011:
I’d have Brodeur, Luongo, Kiprusoff, Lundqvist, Thomas, Miller and Nabokov clearly over him.

To me, Fleury belonged with the Cam Wards, JSGs, Backstroms, Craig Andersons, Brian Elliots, Bryzgalovs and Marty Turcos

From 2011-2019:
Putrid 1st half of the decade by Fleury, solid 2nd half, but are you taking him over:
Price, Lundqvist, Quick, Rinne, Rask, Bob, Vasi?

He belongs in the Ben Bishops, Roberto Luongos, Corey Crawfords, Mike Smiths for me.

Could you argue he was Top 5 in 2021 with his Vezina? Sure? But that means you’re taking him over Vasi, Helleybuyck, Saros, Shersterkin, Bob, Rask, Sorokin, 2021 Playoff Price, and Rinne.

You can definitely argue this season, he may have been better than a handful of those guys, but it’s not clear-cut or “creme de la crop.”

He won the Vezina in 2021, so I think he was among the elite for sure. But his career isn't about the Vezina, or his finishes. It is about longevity, contributions to the team and wins. Also Cups. That's a hard guy to keep out of the HHOF. His career spans a long time and he doesn't really stand out in any particular era as "the" guy. A guy who is 2nd in career wins and then 3rd in playoff wins is going to get in. His highs make up for his lows.

Now that Brayden Point is back from his injury, where do I put him???

My Team Up Front :

Hagel - McDavid*- Reinhart

Duchene* - MacKinnon - Scheifele*

Marchand - Crosby* - Konecny / Stone

Bennett - Point * - Marner

I know you don't like Marner on anything but the 4th line but why? To me you put him somewhere with a sniper like a MacKinnon. I'd even like to see him with McDavid. He's a natural RW, he's a penalty killer, a Selke finalist and you can't deny his skill. He's a puck possession type. Sure the 50 points in 57 playoff games could be better, but Matthews has 48 in 55 games, they aren't keeping him off Team USA right? It isn't as if Marner is Yashin-like in the playoffs. He's been below expectations in the postseason. But he does not need to be the guy on Team Canada. He's maybe, maybe 5th on the forward pecking list. He's got a lot of help.

As for Point you have to put him with a skilled centre I think and move him over to the RW. McDavid or MacKinnon. Even with Crosby. That would be where he'd thrive. Unless you feel he fits the role of a 4th line checker. Either way, that's a 4th line that can and will score.

I’m Canadian and I’ve followed best on best hockey for the last 35-40 years. What I can tell you is that Canada at some point puts up a sour performance on occasion. It typically happens when Canadian hall of farmers are getting too long in the tooth, or the Calvary just hasn’t arrived yet like in 2006. The Americans might have the best talent they have ever had in hockey history for their country. Canada barely beat the USA in 2010 and Canada had pall their best players in their prime. I expect Canada to dissapoint unfortunately.

I think Canada wins, and they have the best team out there. But I will admit that Team USA is bringing those 1996-era vibes that are bothersome for us. 1996 and 1998 are the two years where I looked at their roster with a bit of a lump in my throat. Because they did not have a weakness in any of those years. Lots of skill, size and speed. Plenty of players in their primes and some surprising depth up front and on defense. And their goaltending does beat us.

 

[minibrodeur]

It’s five picks, right?

Makar, McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Point/Marner

Think those are all extremely safe picks in June or whenever it was picked to still be clear selections in December.

It was 6 picks but all 6 you mentioned I think are good options. While I would have been totally fine with those, I'm sure some people would have had issues with Marner as he seems to get roasted every year after the leafs exit the playoffs. In all honesty both players are and should be guaranteed spots on this roster so I personally don't really view his selection as a failure.

 

[centipede2233]

He won the Vezina in 2021, so I think he was among the elite for sure. But his career isn't about the Vezina, or his finishes. It is about longevity, contributions to the team and wins. Also Cups. That's a hard guy to keep out of the HHOF. His career spans a long time and he doesn't really stand out in any particular era as "the" guy. A guy who is 2nd in career wins and then 3rd in playoff wins is going to get in. His highs make up for his lows.



I know you don't like Marner on anything but the 4th line but why? To me you put him somewhere with a sniper like a MacKinnon. I'd even like to see him with McDavid. He's a natural RW, he's a penalty killer, a Selke finalist and you can't deny his skill. He's a puck possession type. Sure the 50 points in 57 playoff games could be better, but Matthews has 48 in 55 games, they aren't keeping him off Team USA right? It isn't as if Marner is Yashin-like in the playoffs. He's been below expectations in the postseason. But he does not need to be the guy on Team Canada. He's maybe, maybe 5th on the forward pecking list. He's got a lot of help.

As for Point you have to put him with a skilled centre I think and move him over to the RW. McDavid or MacKinnon. Even with Crosby. That would be where he'd thrive. Unless you feel he fits the role of a 4th line checker. Either way, that's a 4th line that can and will score.



I think Canada wins, and they have the best team out there. But I will admit that Team USA is bringing those 1996-era vibes that are bothersome for us. 1996 and 1998 are the two years where I looked at their roster with a bit of a lump in my throat. Because they did not have a weakness in any of those years. Lots of skill, size and speed. Plenty of players in their primes and some surprising depth up front and on defense. And their goaltending does beat us.

The Americans have stolarz a Woll as options for now and the 2026 team to. I feel stolarz should be one of their 3 goalies along with helle and Oettinger. I hope helle is the second comming of Ryan miller. Great reg season goalie, but wilts under pressure

 

[ORRFForever]

I know you don't like Marner on anything but the 4th line but why? To me you put him somewhere with a sniper like a MacKinnon. I'd even like to see him with McDavid. He's a natural RW, he's a penalty killer, a Selke finalist and you can't deny his skill. He's a puck possession type. Sure the 50 points in 57 playoff games could be better, but Matthews has 48 in 55 games, they aren't keeping him off Team USA right? It isn't as if Marner is Yashin-like in the playoffs. He's been below expectations in the postseason. But he does not need to be the guy on Team Canada. He's maybe, maybe 5th on the forward pecking list. He's got a lot of help.

As I've said before, EVERY May posters say, "My God, Marner is useless in big games. I don't want him anywhere near Team Canada". Then, in November, when Marner is on fire, those same forgetful posters want him on Team Canada. Well, I don't forget. I know what he's like when the games are important.

I am willing to meet half way. Yes, he can be on my team but only on the 4th line - where he can use his PK expertise.