WJC: Canada 2019 Roster Talk

[jj cale]

Hmm, haven't seen Mr. Writer in ages here, bermuda triangle swallow that guy up? he's usually all over this, liked reading his thoughts on the team.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Because Bouchard is much better, unless you roll out 2 defenseman on the PP, and if they are paired together 5 on 5

Bouchard has a better shot and is bigger/more physical, that is where it ends.

 

[JackSlater]

Hmm, haven't seen Mr. Writer in ages here, bermuda triangle swallow that guy up? he's usually all over this, liked reading his thoughts on the team.

Well he had a kid. Or he is "Gold Standard". Could be either, or both.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

He posts about and talks up New Jersey prospects every year. I'm sure that the commentary would be different had New Jersey ended up with Bouchard instead.

Yes I post in these threads moreso for the Devils prospects but other than McLeod's role last year. I have been right about Speers, Henrique, Quenneville and Halischuk

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

That's quite close to how I would line things up, at least right now. I doubt that Dach makes it though and while I like Beaudin I can see him being replaced by Mitchell or maybe Bernard-Docker. I am curious to see if Vilardi, should be at camp, is used on the wing. Randomly this year sees a very strong group of wingers for Canada and a guy like Mattheos, who I like, may get squeezed out.

It should be interesting to see the invitation list tomorrow. I'm wondering if Hockey Canada will invite two NCAA defencemen and also what comes of Vilardi, though he may not be on the initial invite list. There seems to be a consensus building in this thread regarding most of the players, but the coaches and Hockey Canada may see things differently.

I agree about Beaudin, very close call to me, I prefer Beaudin but I feel like they are going to end up with Mitchell. I haven't seen Mattheos name being called here looking quickly on the thread, I like him on the team and he is one of rarer player that could fill a 4th line role, I already have two centers playing on the wing so to me the fact that he is a natural winger is a plus. This might be the only chance for Dach to make the team, predicting him being NHLer next year, I believe he is rightfully good enough to be there, close calls though for sure.

 

[jj cale]

Well he had a kid. Or he is "Gold Standard". Could be either, or both.

Ah, that would explain things.

 

[jj cale]

I guess there is zero chance Thomas gets released now eh? Anyone still holding out faint hope of that?

 

[JackSlater]

I agree about Beaudin, very close call to me, I prefer Beaudin but I feel like they are going to end up with Mitchell. I haven't seen Mattheos name being called here looking quickly on the thread, I like him on the team and he is one of rarer player that could fill a 4th line role, I already have two centers playing on the wing so to me the fact that he is a natural winger is a plus. This might be the only chance for Dach to make the team, predicting him being NHLer next year, I believe he is rightfully good enough to be there, close calls though for sure.

I agree for the most part. If Vilardi is available, which seems likely now, then it's going to be really difficult for Mattheos. Suzuki seems like a near lock and will likely be RW. Vilardi would be a near lock and also probably play RW. Tippett is having a good year even if he never looks that strong in team Canada settings and he's a RW. I don't feel compelled to pick Dach due to what may happen in the future, but I do think that he deserves a camp look based on merit.

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

I agree for the most part. If Vilardi is available, which seems likely now, then it's going to be really difficult for Mattheos. Suzuki seems like a near lock and will likely be RW. Vilardi would be a near lock and also probably play RW. Tippett is having a good year even if he never looks that strong in team Canada settings and he's a RW. I don't feel compelled to pick Dach due to what may happen in the future, but I do think that he deserves a camp look based on merit.

Who would you prefer over Dach/Mattheos, assuming that I already have Veleno as an extra that you move up I would imagine (so JAD not being there scenario).

 

[TheBeastCoast]

I am really excited about this group of players to be honest. The most talented team we have had in years....My only concern going in is really coaching, with the turnstile coaching method it is always a bit of a toss up and we have seen talented teams get anchored by useless coaches. Where as the last 2 years we saw Ducharme get a Gold and Silver out of what were two of our weakest age groups in recent memory. Hopefully Hunter can carry on where Ducharme left off with a more talented team then Ducharme had at this level.

 

[jj cale]

I am really excited about this group of players to be honest. The most talented team we have had in years....My only concern going in is really coaching, with the turnstile coaching method it is always a bit of a toss up and we have seen talented teams get anchored by useless coaches. Where as the last 2 years we saw Ducharme get a Gold and Silver out of what were two of our weakest age groups in recent memory. Hopefully Hunter can carry on where Ducharme left off with a more talented team then Ducharme had at this level.

I haven't heard many confidence inspiring things about Hunter unfortunately, sure hope it's been overblown.

 

[JackSlater]

Who would you prefer over Dach/Mattheos, assuming that I already have Veleno as an extra that you move up I would imagine (so JAD not being there scenario).

I would probably select Mattheos at the moment, over Tippett. Vilardi, Suzuki and Leason as the others at RW. I would give Dach a chance but it would depend how he competes against others. I like Glass and Hayton for two of the spots. I'm leaning Dellandrea right now and probably Frost and Veleno. When it comes to 17 year olds I view their performance as more of a variable than that of 19 year olds, or to a lesser extent 18 year olds. In a less deep year like 2014 I would select Dach. Centre is, as always, very competitive. This is especially true for players who don't have positional versatility.

Does anyone else like Ratcliffe for one of the LW spots? We can assume that Formenton and Comtois have two of those spots and most hope that Lafreniere has another. I liked him in the super series and the team needs goals from the wing. I can also see Dewar in that spot.

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

I would probably select Mattheos at the moment, over Tippett. Vilardi, Suzuki and Leason as the others at RW. I would give Dach a chance but it would depend how he competes against others. I like Glass and Hayton for two of the spots. I'm leaning Dellandrea right now and probably Frost and Veleno. When it comes to 17 year olds I view their performance as more of a variable than that of 19 year olds, or to a lesser extent 18 year olds. In a less deep year like 2014 I would select Dach. Centre is, as always, very competitive. This is especially true for players who don't have positional versatility.

Does anyone else like Ratcliffe for one of the LW spots? We can assume that Formenton and Comtois have two of those spots and most hope that Lafreniere has another. I liked him in the super series and the team needs goals from the wing. I can also see Dewar in that spot.

I would hope Lafreniere is a lock with an important role, I think he could be team Canada best player. Dellandrea and Ratcliffe were pretty much next on my list, both could be solid in a bottom6 role. I am not high on Dewar making the team though. I didn't think twice when putting Tippett on the team, surprised you consider dropping him, but I am not a fan of his as a prospect either, one dimensional and low IQ, so I get why you would consider this thinking more about it.

 

[lomiller1]

OHL Invite Predictions:

Forwards
Frost
Hayton
Formenton
N.Suzuki
Keating
Foudy
Tippett
Vilardi (if healthy)
Entwistle
Dellandria
R.McLeod
Studnika

Defencemen
Bouchard
Merkley
Bahl

Goaltender
Dipietro


Bolded are the players I think will make the team

Unless they only invite 25 guys I wouldn't be surprised if LHD Declan Chisholm gets an invite from the OHL. He won't make the team because he hasn't been on their radar until very recently but other than Ty Smith he's arguably having as good a season as any other left shot D. He's eligible again next year so I think they may want to start getting a closer look at him now, but maybe I'm being influenced by the fact he's one of my teams draft picks.

 

[Christien]

Another 5 point game for Veleno today, looking forward to seeing him tear up this tournament

 

[Get North]

I would probably select Mattheos at the moment, over Tippett. Vilardi, Suzuki and Leason as the others at RW. I would give Dach a chance but it would depend how he competes against others. I like Glass and Hayton for two of the spots. I'm leaning Dellandrea right now and probably Frost and Veleno. When it comes to 17 year olds I view their performance as more of a variable than that of 19 year olds, or to a lesser extent 18 year olds. In a less deep year like 2014 I would select Dach. Centre is, as always, very competitive. This is especially true for players who don't have positional versatility.

Does anyone else like Ratcliffe for one of the LW spots? We can assume that Formenton and Comtois have two of those spots and most hope that Lafreniere has another. I liked him in the super series and the team needs goals from the wing. I can also see Dewar in that spot.

With Vilardi joining the team, I do think Tippett could be pushed out of the line-up. Even though I had Tippett on my roster it was mostly because we had no other high skill offensive players available at RW. I've seen too many players with the same type of flaws that Tippett has, poor IQ, selfish play, one-dimensional. Vilardi is a much more well-rounded player than Tippett and I could see him take his spot because Tippett isn't someone I want on the 3rd/4th line.

I like Dellandrea and Studnicka as potential 4th liners for this team. I also have Foudy as a lock on my team. I know he's not producing at a high level, but he was excellent at the summer camp, and he's got the tools we need on the 4th line. Fast, good hockey sense, good puck skills, and physical. A 4th line of Foudy/Studnicka/Dellandrea is in my head, perfect players for a HC team IMO. I can also see Ratcliffe pushing for a spot though, big kid with wheels and he's smart.

 

[Skolman]

Bouchard has a better shot and is bigger/more physical, that is where it ends.

Much higher IQ & better passer as well.

 

[JackSlater]

With Vilardi joining the team, I do think Tippett could be pushed out of the line-up. Even though I had Tippett on my roster it was mostly because we had no other high skill offensive players available at RW. I've seen too many players with the same type of flaws that Tippett has, poor IQ, selfish play, one-dimensional. Vilardi is a much more well-rounded player than Tippett and I could see him take his spot because Tippett isn't someone I want on the 3rd/4th line.

I like Dellandrea and Studnicka as potential 4th liners for this team. I also have Foudy as a lock on my team. I know he's not producing at a high level, but he was excellent at the summer camp, and he's got the tools we need on the 4th line. Fast, good hockey sense, good puck skills, and physical. A 4th line of Foudy/Studnicka/Dellandrea is in my head, perfect players for a HC team IMO. I can also see Ratcliffe pushing for a spot though, big kid with wheels and he's smart.

That's pretty close to my thinking. Tippett brings a lot of tools and he seems to be having a good year in the OHL, but Canada has plenty of right wing options this year. Sounds like Vilardi will more than likely be available, Suzuki can play that spot, Leason has emerged big time and looked good int he super series, Mattheos is having a good year too and probably brings a better skillset for a spot on a lower line, even Comtois successfully played RW last year at the tournament. Wingers who dominate junior with size and speed tend to struggle in the WJC and Tippett never seems to impress when in a team Canada type setting. I expect him to receive an invite to camp and I'm curious to see how he performs with the others.

Foudy seems like he could be a role player in the same vein as Formenton last year. It will likely come down to what the coaching staff wants. Formenton obviously takes one such spot away on the left side, but the staff may want more than one player in that role. My sense is that Canada could use another scorer on the wing rather than more of a utility player but who knows.

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

I changed my forward group by removing Tippett after thinking about it
Alexis Lafreniere - Cody Glass - Gabriel Vilardi
Maxime Comtois - Joe Veleno - Nick Suzuki
Kirby Dach - Morgan Frost - Brett Leason
Alex Formenton - Barrett Hayton - Stelio Mattheos
If healthy in time Jaret Anderson-Dolan, otherwise Ty Dellandrea.

I prefer Dellandrea over Tippett as extra because he is more versatile. I like Foudy but his production never been that high despite his exceptional speed, so I have my reserves.

 

[newfy]

Another 5 point game for Veleno today, looking forward to seeing him tear up this tournament

I'm still not saying hes going to for sure make it but hes really making a good case here the last little while. 22 points his last 6 games. I was iffy about taking him because there might have been better offensive options, but now that hes leading the Q in points per game AND can play a checking role/PK role I'm liking his chances a lot more.

He'll need a good camp and definitely isnt a lock but I'm thinking he'll be on the team now. He checks all the boxes.. one of the fastest on the team, good defensively, great on the PK, can score. Perfect 13th forward that can fill any role if someone gets hurt or can be inserted into any line and probably do well

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

 

[Hyzer]

DiPietro will start over Scott I would assume, right?

 

[TheBeastCoast]

DiPietro will start over Scott I would assume, right?

The numbers Scott is putting up it will be a battle for the number 1 spot....I am not sure how you deny the numbers Scott has.

 

[Halfy]

Vilardi could be a huge pickup. This could be a very stacked team

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

DiPietro will start over Scott I would assume, right?

I think they will let them compete over the #1 spot and whoever's better at the time will get it. I wouldn't be surprised if Scott gets it