World Cup: Canada 4 Nations Tournament 2025 Roster Talk

[Mathieukferland]

-Im glad he scored the winner, but Marner and Hagel switching makes sense to me; add a primary play driver to the 4th line that’s still good defensively, and let McDavid be the main puck carrier on his own line

-A lot of the chances Sweden had were north south and not a lot of cross zone chances. I think if that’s how Canada is going to defend, Hill will be a better suited starter against the states

-I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Canada would have benefitted from IIHF officiating tonight. I thought the game was well officiated, but you know IIHF officials would have called a few of those borderline plays all penalties, and that insane power play would have gotten more opportunities


-losing Theodore hurts, but after Centre, LD is Canada’s deepest position, so I am confident Morrisey and Toews can carry the load and not have to rely to heavily on Sanheim

-Crosby is such a gamer, McDavid might be more talented but no one comes to play when it matters like Sid

Great game to watch, Canada needs to be as aggressive as they were in the first period against the states on Saturday.

 

[red devil]

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Crosby - McDavid - Jarvis
Reinhart - Mackinnon - Stone
Marchand - Point - Marner

That should be your top 9

 

[ORRFForever]

-Im glad he scored the winner, but Marner and Hagel switching makes sense to me; add a primary play driver to the 4th line that’s still good defensively, and let McDavid be the main puck carrier on his own line

-A lot of the chances Sweden had were north south and not a lot of cross zone chances. I think if that’s how Canada is going to defend, Hill will be a better suited starter against the states

-I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Canada would have benefitted from IIHF officiating tonight. I thought the game was well officiated, but you know IIHF officials would have called a few of those borderline plays all penalties, and that insane power play would have gotten more opportunities


-losing Theodore hurts, but after Centre, LD is Canada’s deepest position, so I am confident Morrisey and Toews can carry the load and not have to rely to heavily on Sanheim

-Crosby is such a gamer, McDavid might be more talented but no one comes to play when it matters like Sid

Great game to watch, Canada needs to be as aggressive as they were in the first period against the states on Saturday.

The problem with Hagel and Marner switching is : Marner is RW and Hagel is a LW. Sam Reinhart could switch to the other side and you'd have a first line of :

Hagel - Mc David - Reinhart

but the 4th line does not work - you have 2 Right Wings and only 1 center.

**

I have always said Marner should be on Canada's 4th line. Until he scored in OT, I was going to come here and say, "I told you Marner was not good in BIG games". I'm glad he made me eat my words.

Marner had zero chemistry with McDavid.

**

The officiating was fine - although they got in the way a bunch of times. To their credit, they let the teams play - 2 penalties all game is okay with me.

Crosby - McDavid - Jarvis
Reinhart - Mackinnon - Stone
Marchand - Point - Marner

That should be your top 9

I like your 3rd line a LOT.

You don't think MacKinnon and Sid were good together?

 

[Zirakzigil]

Canada was lights out but then :

1) We stopped being aggressive
2) Sweden started playing well.

* Sid was amazing and was the first star.
* MacKinnon was terrific until he started trying to do it all himself in O.T..
* I said Jarvis would be great and he was.
* Marchand was terrific early but faded.
* Marner was hot garbage until late.
* Point was very good.
* Mark Stone was very good.
* Cirelli had a good game.

* McDavid wasn't very good.
* Binnington was average. Hill should play against the U.S.
* Makar looked unsure of himself. Makar wasn't being Makar. Not sure why. This game was meaningless. Why not let it all hang out?
* Not Parayko's finest game but give him time. He's a big boy out there.
* Reinhart did nothing.
* I was disappointed in Morrisey.

Anyone else???

I give the defense a pass after the Theodore injury. Players playing with someone else every shift and sometimes on their off side. Tough to build any sort of chemistry or rhythm when you have never played with most or all of your team mates before.

 

[KBobs]

Game flipped when Theodore came out. D pairings went in a blender and it was a mess. All of a sudden Makar was moved to left D. I get he's the best skater and can adapt fine, but why move the best defenseman in the world to their off side? Once that happened, it felt like Doughty was out there every other shift. Big fan of the player, but he looked out of his depth tonight (whether age was showing or still coming up to speed after the injury, who knows). Once it was tied 3-3, the coaching staff finally reverted: Makar went back to RD, Toews and Makar were reunited, and Doughty hardly played the rest of the game.

A couple other observations from my view:
- Marner was terrible 5 on 5. Couldn't win a board battle at all (and I like the player, so this isn't a hit job on him). But this is a problem considering that's what he needs to do playing with McDavid. Marner is most effective when he carries the puck / slows things down in the offensive zone. That's counter to how McDavid plays.
- Crosby and MacKinnon weren't great 5 on 5 together. According to Spittin Chiclets, it's widely known that they lack chemistry when playing on lines together in their summer camps. I may be off here, but it didn't appear as if MacKinnon was carrying the puck through the neutral zone with his usual speed in the first couple periods. Either deferring to Crosby or didn't have the option. Either way, I'd like to separate him so he has both hands on the wheel.
- Losing Theodore is a huge loss. Second best puck mover on defense. The lack of mobile D was already being questioned with Theodore in the lineup. Will be curious to see how this plays out now that both Vegas players are out. Going in they were easily 2 of our top 4 defensemen.
- Respectively disagree with some of the posters on MacKinnon in OT. Thought he had some quality chances and loved him shooting the puck. Any Avs fans in here would likely agree that when he's being a bit selfish and shooting the puck / not deferring, he's at his most effective. In this game, I'd give credit for the saves made, because I don't know too many instances where he's had looks like that in OT and one didn't go in. Fully understand those critical with his approach in not passing to McDavid though.
- One of my issues with the roster construction is the lack of size for the bottom six forwards. Goes against traditional Canadian hockey. Gone are the days of having Nash, Benn, Carter, etc on the bottom six. Despite playing against a very good Swedish defense that played a 1-3-1, it felt like the bottom 6 was losing most of the board battles. Definitely not a Babcock style bottom 6, that's for sure

 

[1989]

- One of my issues with the roster construction is the lack of size for the bottom six forwards. Goes against traditional Canadian hockey. Gone are the days of having Nash, Benn, Carter, etc on the bottom six. Despite playing against a very good Swedish defense that played a 1-3-1, it felt like the bottom 6 was losing most of the board battles. Definitely not a Babcock style bottom 6, that's for sure

Out of curiosity, which players are available for Canada who you would consider as a big, skilled player that you would replace at least 3 if not 4 of the existing bottom 6?

I don't think there are as many now for Canada, and also because at the NHL level size isn't the priority it used to be.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

like your 3rd line a LOT.

You don't think MacKinnon and Sid were good together?

I don't think they were bad, but I think McDavid could use someone elite around the net like Sid.

 

[Turin]

Hagel-Crosby-MacKinnon is the ideal Crosby line.

 

[red devil]

 

[ORRFForever]

Game flipped when Theodore came out. D pairings went in a blender and it was a mess. All of a sudden Makar was moved to left D. I get he's the best skater and can adapt fine, but why move the best defenseman in the world to their off side? Once that happened, it felt like Doughty was out there every other shift. Big fan of the player, but he looked out of his depth tonight (whether age was showing or still coming up to speed after the injury, who knows). Once it was tied 3-3, the coaching staff finally reverted: Makar went back to RD, Toews and Makar were reunited, and Doughty hardly played the rest of the game.

A couple other observations from my view:
- Marner was terrible 5 on 5. Couldn't win a board battle at all (and I like the player, so this isn't a hit job on him). But this is a problem considering that's what he needs to do playing with McDavid. Marner is most effective when he carries the puck / slows things down in the offensive zone. That's counter to how McDavid plays.
- Crosby and MacKinnon weren't great 5 on 5 together. According to Spittin Chiclets, it's widely known that they lack chemistry when playing on lines together in their summer camps. I may be off here, but it didn't appear as if MacKinnon was carrying the puck through the neutral zone with his usual speed in the first couple periods. Either deferring to Crosby or didn't have the option. Either way, I'd like to separate him so he has both hands on the wheel.
- Losing Theodore is a huge loss. Second best puck mover on defense. The lack of mobile D was already being questioned with Theodore in the lineup. Will be curious to see how this plays out now that both Vegas players are out. Going in they were easily 2 of our top 4 defensemen.
- Respectively disagree with some of the posters on MacKinnon in OT. Thought he had some quality chances and loved him shooting the puck. Any Avs fans in here would likely agree that when he's being a bit selfish and shooting the puck / not deferring, he's at his most effective. In this game, I'd give credit for the saves made, because I don't know too many instances where he's had looks like that in OT and one didn't go in. Fully understand those critical with his approach in not passing to McDavid though.
- One of my issues with the roster construction is the lack of size for the bottom six forwards. Goes against traditional Canadian hockey. Gone are the days of having Nash, Benn, Carter, etc on the bottom six. Despite playing against a very good Swedish defense that played a 1-3-1, it felt like the bottom 6 was losing most of the board battles. Definitely not a Babcock style bottom 6, that's for sure

I thought MacKinnon and Sid played well together.

 

[ORRFForever]

For game one, I thought Canada, who always starts SLOW, played really well. Glad we won. Real test will be Saturday.

I'd move Marner off the top line.

* First, he had no chemistry with McDavid.
* Second, until he scored in O.T., he wasn't very good.
* Third, McDavid needs scorers on his wings and Marner is not that.

 

[Soundwave]

I think Team Canada made a mistake by not having Hyman on the roster, but it is what it is.

I would go to Adin Hill for the next game. Binnington did make some stops late, but he looked very iffy before then.

 

[KBobs]

Out of curiosity, which players are available for Canada who you would consider as a big, skilled player that you would replace at least 3 if not 4 of the existing bottom 6?

I don't think there are as many now for Canada, and also because at the NHL level size isn't the priority it used to be.

Good question. I like Hyman, as I believe he's one of the best forecheckers in the NHL. Understand if others think he's just a product of McDavid, but from my perspective he would be okay away from him in a 3rd/4th line role if need be. I also wanted Tavares on the team. I acknowledge his shortcomings (speed and ability to drive play 5 on 5), but he plays a great defensive game, can win draws, and would be a veteran presence. If he had a couple burners around him he'd be fine (also could reunite with Marner on a match up line). Clearly Cooper opted for Cirelli in the 4C role, but Tavares could shift to the wing.

Certainly don't have the same bench from which to draw from, though. As far as other options, Wilson would be another (although wouldn't be at the top of my list) and I'm sure I'm missing a few others that were in the running at one time or another (Like Thomas).

 

[ORRFForever]

I think Team Canada made a mistake by not having Hyman on the roster, but it is what it is.

Hyman was ice cold when they made the roster.

 

[Soundwave]

Hyman was ice cold when they made the roster.

Yeah but it's a bit of a dumb way to pick a roster. Anyways what's done is done. I would move Crosby and McDavid onto the same line, ala Canada Cup '87 when Gretzky and Lemieux finally got put on the same line as the tourney went along.

 

[KBobs]

Hyman was ice cold when they made the roster.

Very valid point. Goes back to the argument of do you take the hot hand or go with prior years results (each route would be criticized by hindsight bias nonetheless)

 

[ORRFForever]

It was this team's first game together. Canada always starts SLOW and improves as we find chemistry.

 

[1989]

I know I'm basing this off things like small sample size, short camp, one game, etc., but...

Is anyone else kind of unsure about Canada's #1 player status in a post-Crosby era?

Tonight, what I saw was vintage Crosby leading an otherwise elitely skilled but lacklustre team in terms of ebbs and flows. I know he's Captain, I know he's Mr. Been There Done That and Check Out The Trophy Case. He really is the best selection for a leadership role for this short tournament but he can't do everything all at once anymore.

My point actually being, I see the younger guys in their primes and while they are all undoubtedly skilled, talented, and able to win, I just don't see who successfully leads the men's teams. Things like lack of chemistry due to play styles or lack of deference to line mates, etc. were fairly obvious especially amongst the forward group. This current edition of Team Canada has a lot more dysfunction and I just feel like there's no replacement personality for Crosby.

I have nothing against McDavid, MacKinnon, or anyone else taking the load on their shoulders but it just seems like they're not the same calibre. Maybe it's just the overall lack of quantity and quality international playing opportunities.

 

[ORRFForever]

Is anyone else kind of unsure about Canada's #1 player status in a post-Crosby era?

No.

 

[Zirakzigil]

I know I'm basing this off things like small sample size, short camp, one game, etc., but...

Is anyone else kind of unsure about Canada's #1 player status in a post-Crosby era?

Tonight, what I saw was vintage Crosby leading an otherwise elitely skilled but lacklustre team in terms of ebbs and flows. I know he's Captain, I know he's Mr. Been There Done That and Check Out The Trophy Case. He really is the best selection for a leadership role for this short tournament but he can't do everything all at once anymore.

My point actually being, I see the younger guys in their primes and while they are all undoubtedly skilled, talented, and able to win, I just don't see who successfully leads the men's teams. Things like lack of chemistry due to play styles or lack of deference to line mates, etc. were fairly obvious especially amongst the forward group. This current edition of Team Canada has a lot more dysfunction and I just feel like there's no replacement personality for Crosby.

I have nothing against McDavid, MacKinnon, or anyone else taking the load on their shoulders but it just seems like they're not the same calibre. Maybe it's just the overall lack of quantity and quality international playing opportunities.

Bold of you to assume Sid doesnt pull a Jagr

 

[ORRFForever]

As for Theodore's injury...

MSN

"So here’s what we are looking at: Canada will be allowed to put a defenceman or two “on notice,” so if there’s another injury (hope not), one will be able to join when the series switches to Boston. Since these players may be away on vacation, proper notice is necessary."

Is anyone else kind of unsure about Canada's #1 player status in a post-Crosby era?

McDavid and MacKinnon will do just fine. Plus, Canada has an insane number of HIGH END prospects in the pipeline.

It was just one game and that's why Sid has the "C" and McDavid / MacKinnon have an "A" - to learn from the master.

 

[Zirakzigil]

As for Theodore's injury...

MSN

"So here’s what we are looking at: Canada will be allowed to put a defenceman or two “on notice,” so if there’s another injury (hope not), one will be able to join when the series switches to Boston. Since these players may be away on vacation, proper notice is necessary."


McDavid and MacKinnon will do just fine. Plus, Canada has an insane number of HIGH END prospects in the pipeline.

Weegar was already told to be ready to go if Doughty wasnt ready to go. I imagine he has/will be the one they call up if needed.

 

[BullyHockey]

If that McDavid line can get some cohesion, look out, the Crosby line has instant chemistry. Marner was lost despite the goal, McDavid was underwhelming despite some patented rushes, but that line needs to do a better job of mainting o-zone time.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

I think Team Canada made a mistake by not having Hyman on the roster, but it is what it is.

I would go to Adin Hill for the next game. Binnington did make some stops late, but he looked very iffy before then.

Binnington was moving around in his net too much for my liking. He didn't look in position/square in his net enough and seemed to treat every shot toward the net like a reaction save rather than already being in position to make the save.