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

[Crosby2010]

If Brad Marchand continues to slow, Macklin Celebrini would do well on Sid's left side.

Of course, he's much too young. There are just so many high end Canadian forwards, H.C. can't just add Celebrini because we'd all love to see it.

Traditionally Canada doesn't take a player based on projection. I guess Lindros was one of those types since he didn't even play an NHL game yet. But there was still a training camp in 1991 so he did make it based on that. It wasn't until 1996 where we saw teams picked without training camp. It all depends on who can slide on that left side if Marchand slows down. He is on the wrong side of 35 years old, and won't get younger. The next year won't make him better. I still think he can contribute if he is playing well, but if we have to lose an old vet for a fresh youngster there is nothing wrong with that either.

 

[ORRFForever]

...if we have to lose an old vet for a fresh youngster there is nothing wrong with that either.

We'd all love it but 19 is awfully young. Fortunately, the Left side is weaker and in more need of players.

 

[ORRFForever]

Where are we going to put Dylan Guenther in 2026?

The Right Side is stacked but how do you leave him off if he continues to get better?

 

[JackSlater]

Yeah you might be onto something. Slim chance, but a chance if he blows the doors off. Put him with a talented centre and he might do alright. Youth is a big deal in a short tournament like this but so is experience of course. Where is that fine line? If, let's say, he ends up winning the Calder this year, close to a PPG. Then comes out flying at a 100 point pace early next year. He'd get some consideration, not only in the room but amongst the fans/media. Then again, the sophomore jinx can be real, just ask Bedard. He was once thought to be a guy we assumed makes the 2026 team.

If Celebrini ends up with a point per game and then is on a 100 point pace next year he will definitely make the Olympic team. Bedard will very likely be there too. As much a people all bemoan Crosby not making the 2006 Olympic team, most of those same people would have cut him in 2006 when he was just at a point per game and not among the top ten Canadian scorers when the team was actually picked. Celebrini isn't as good as Crosby was, but thinking hasn't changed that much. Celebrini is already fairly responsible and is elite in transition, plus his offence is coming along on a fairly putrid San Jose team. He is capable of being an asset as a player, not just as a full looking statline.

Canada should absolutely consider youth to some degree for the four nations event. At the Olympics winning should be the sole consideration.

 

[ORRFForever]

What Team Canada could look like in Feb 2028...

Celebrini (21) - Mc David (30) * - Guenther (24)

Hagel (29) - MacKinnon (33) - Bedard (22) *

McMichael (27) - Point (31) * - Marner (30)

Cuylle (26) / Fantilli (23) - Jarvis (26) - Johnston (24) *