World Cup: Canada 4 Nations Tournament 2025 Roster Talk

[Rschmitz]

 

[ORRFForever]

Leaving Thompson off the roster—at the very least as an option—is just plain stupid.

Not bringing Hyman, a proven fit alongside McDavid, is another mistake.

The Tom Wilson non-selection is debatable. He's obviously a better fit against the Americans than Konecny/Jarvis.

Ultimately, it feels like they built a team for an IIHF-style Olympic tournament rather than one suited for an NHL-sanctioned event.

But Hockey Canada got a ton of grief for NOT bringing enough "talent" at the World Juniors. Now they bring "talent" and they catch hell for not having enough size. They can't win. LOL.

Having said that, Scheifele and Wilson should have been there.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Team has loyalty to the past and we're in a transition phase. Unfortunately this weakens lineup somewhat. Crosby is a 3rd line C on this roster, not #1 line. Marchand shouldn't even be there.

Dude was player of the game in the first game, but has a bad game and suddenly the Crosby haters are out to pile on him.

PS. he's not on the first line, not if you measure it by ice time. McDavid's ice time is tops on the team (and rightfully so). So your criticism doesn't even make sense.

 

[ORRFForever]

Dude was player of the game in the first game, but has a bad game and suddenly the Crosby haters are out to pile on him.

PS. he's not on the first line, not if you measure it by ice time. McDavid's ice time is tops on the team (and rightfully so). So your criticism doesn't even make sense.

Sid had a BAD game last night but he's amazing and should be there.

 

[Rob Brown]

Leaving Thompson off the roster—at the very least as an option—is just plain stupid.

Not bringing Hyman, a proven fit alongside McDavid, is another mistake.

The Tom Wilson non-selection is debatable. He's obviously a better fit against the Americans than Konecny/Jarvis.

Ultimately, it feels like they built a team for an IIHF-style Olympic tournament rather than one suited for an NHL-sanctioned event.

Konecny plays a similar kind of game to Matthew Tkachuk so I can see why they thought he'd be a good fit. Too bad they didn't play him last night.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Konecny plays a similar kind of game to Matthew Tkachuk so I can see why they thought he'd be a good fit. Too bad they didn't play him last night.

Wasn't he injured/ill? Or did I misread that somewhere?

 

[Rob Brown]

Wasn't he injured/ill? Or did I misread that somewhere?

Maybe I missed that - I thought he was scratched to bring in Bennett but maybe he was sick as well.

 

[Luigi Lemieux]

Harley is also fantastic. He was easily Canada's best dman.

Harley was awesome. Really impressed, and imo should be playing even when Makar is back.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

I'd have taken Bedard for sure. Not just because his shot is badly needed but because he's a big part of Canada's future. I'd have included him. Sometimes these tournaments supercharge a player's career. His numbers are pretty freaking good for a 19 year old playing on the worst team in the league. Imagine his shot with the passing ability we have on this club.

...I don't see Bedard as ready fo that yet, honestly...and there are other deserving players available who also weren't picked...I believe he'll be on the Olympic roster...hopefully it WON'T be up to politics on who makes the team, like it is on this one...

Harley was awesome. Really impressed, and imo should be playing even when Makar is back.

...not allowed...

 

[toddkaz]

I don't know how you could watch last night and still think this is a meaningless tournament

Ok, 4 teams not Czechia, Russia or others.

Say USA wins...Now what?

Its not like the Olympics or Canada cup.

 

[JackSlater]

Wasn't he injured/ill? Or did I misread that somewhere?

Yes he was apparently sick and missed the practice before the first game.

LeBrun does a lot of interviews and has an article out today, he says that Cooper talked multiple times about getting Point more ice time, so I would expect to see him in the top six. No mention of whether there was a plan to put Konecny in and take someone out, and LeBrun thinks that they are clearly riding with Binnington even if Binnington was critical of his own performance. They also acknowledged that Crosby is hurt, playing with "one arm".

Would be nice to have complete clarity on Harley. The NHL clearly didn't totally think these rules out, and Harley being able to go on the ice only during moments when Makar was not on the ice was farcical. In any event I am still happy that this event has shown that Harley should be firmly in the 2026 Olympic conversation. Really impressive. With how Johnston seemed to correct course this season I think that Dallas has a few strong contenders for 2026.

 

[DuklaNation]

Dude was player of the game in the first game, but has a bad game and suddenly the Crosby haters are out to pile on him.

PS. he's not on the first line, not if you measure it by ice time. McDavid's ice time is tops on the team (and rightfully so). So your criticism doesn't even make sense.

It makes sense if you watch the games. In this lineup, Crosby had 4th highest ice time. Why? I'd rather have a Schiefele on top 2 lines at C with Mackinnon on the wing. Crosby is past his prime, the decline in quickness is obvious. Still a good player.

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Crosby needs to be back at centre. Have him centre the 3rd line where he will face weaker matchups. There's no reason why Cooper shouldn't be going with McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Point down the middle for tomorrow. In fact I would move Point up the lineup just because him and Reinhart are the best pure goal scorers on this roster. Roll those 3 lines to start and Finlands D will have difficulty containing them.

If Canada can't beat Finland tomorrow then this tournament is a disaster for them.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Yes he was apparently sick and missed the practice before the first game.

LeBrun does a lot of interviews and has an article out today, he says that Cooper talked multiple times about getting Point more ice time, so I would expect to see him in the top six. No mention of whether there was a plan to put Konecny in and take someone out, and LeBrun thinks that they are clearly riding with Binnington even if Binnington was critical of his own performance.

...Cooper showing why he SHOULDN'T be coaching this team...politics over play...marvelous...

 

[hamzarocks]

But we knew that would be an issue because the 2016 - 2019 drafts were garbage for Canada. I've been warning about this for years.

While Team U.S. is getting their best players from those drafts, IN THEIR PRIME, we have very little to choose from.

On the plus side, since 2000, Canada's drafts have been off the charts great - unfortunately, those players are NOT ready yet.

There is a lot of talent coming and developing so future is bright

Bedard, Celibrini, Mckenna, Misa, Schiefer, Guenther, Dupoint, Kent Johnson, Shane Wright etc

Will give more option and 2030 olympics the team should have prime aged stars with lower reliance on older guys

 

[Mathieukferland]

@Bone Density for the benefit of those blocked from the other thread I’m posting this here; this is absolute self sabotage and, at all age groups, hockey Canada can’t seem to get out of its own way in the past 2 months. I’ll happily own it if I’m wrong but Binnington has somehow been gifted the net despite being terrible at the worlds, bad this season, and bad to start the tournament.

 

[Jets4Life]

Sorry ladies and gentlemen, let me point out some suspicious information as to Management and coaches chose Binnington over Hill as the starter.

1. This goalie works for Armstrong, and Armstrong is likely the most senior man on this team Canada management group. Even if one or 2 coaches believe that he is not the best candidate for No1 goalie.
You better have very solid reason why this coach is not using Binnington. You DO NOT want to burn bridges with General Manager as they are the one fire and hire coaches.
View attachment 978128

2. Possibility reason #2, Canadian coaches and management did not do their homework. Watching Binnington during 2024 WC, he played alright and let in some leaky goals. He is not the best Canadian Goalie based on recent international tournament and NHL games. The coaching staff might have not watched how Hill, Montebault and Thompson played. I believe any of these 3 goalies are better than Binnington. Please see Binnington statistics below as you would not be able to watch the 2024 WC games.

View attachment 978129


Montebault:
View attachment 978130

Hill :

View attachment 978133

Well, I would NOT dare sit out Binnington vs USA as i would not want to burn my bridge or feel awkward with Armstrong. You never know what the future is like as NHL coaching jobs do not last very long.

This is the problem with Hockey Canada. There should be no politics. It's inexcusable to leave out the top 3 Canadian goalies this year. The best team possible should be assembled, period.

 

[leafsfan5]

@Bone Density for the benefit of those blocked from the other thread I’m posting this here; this is absolute self sabotage and, at all age groups, hockey Canada can’t seem to get out of its own way in the past 2 months. I’ll happily own it if I’m wrong but Binnington has somehow been gifted the net despite being terrible at the worlds, bad this season, and bad to start the tournament.

This is an absolutely brutal decision

Harley was awesome. Really impressed, and imo should be playing even when Makar is back.

Agreed, his pair was dominant for us all night. I'm hoping they go:

Toews - Makar
Harley - Doughty
Morrissey - Sanheim

Haven't liked Parayko's game at all, would prefer Sanheim in there

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Even though I think he's benefiting from Carbery's system, Thompson has an insane 24-2-5 record with a .921SV%. That earns a spot on the roster. But I can see why they didn't choose him because he's unproven in bigger games and Binnington has a cup.

 

[ccman68]

You guys better get used to all the Bolts on this team. They will all be there for the olympics as well . So much complaining when they are still playing the corpse of Brad Marchand.

 

[Moncherry]

Wtf is with this coaching staff and Binnington? He legitimately might not even be a top 5 Canadian goalie at this point. I'm not saying the loss is on him, but that terrible first U.S. goal turned the game on its head, Canada never got that momentum back.

 

[Peiskos]

Even though I think he's benefiting from Carbery's system, Thompson has an insane 24-2-5 record with a .921SV%. That earns a spot on the roster. But I can see why they didn't choose him because he's unproven in bigger games and Binnington has a cup.

I've never understood this logic, reminds me of the job market.. companies looking for experienced workers yet they never want to hire young people to start getting that experience. Select Thompson, who is statistically the best Canadian goalie, he wins this tournament and boom suddenly he's proven in big games. Players need to be given the opportunity.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

I have no problem with any of the TB players either making this team, or getting a decent amount of ice time. In fact, Point should be playing a lot more - preferably alongside McDavid or MacKinnon in the top-6. I thought Cirelli and Hagel were quite good at getting pucks in deep and gaining some possession in the o-zone, though they didn’t really generate any good scoring chances that I remember.

The Eichel/Tkachuk line was held off the scoreboard so the TB line did its job. Ideally our matchup centre (Cirelli) would be stronger offensively and be capable of playing top-6 minutes, along the lines of Jonathan Toews in years past. Toews was able to shut down the opposition’s top players AND contribute offensively. However, that doesn’t seem to be in the cards at the moment, but maybe someone like Celebrini can assume that role in the future.

Until then, I’m good with Cirelli and Hagel. But I would like to see Point in a more elevated role tomorrow.

 

[gritdash60]

Jarvis will fight Aho on the opening faceoff, then scores an own goal because he is a honorary Finn and a double agent. In the 26' olympics Jarvis will be wearing white and blue and leads the scoring for Finland. Trust me, this was the plan all along.

 

[winnipegger]

Have to admit I was sleeping on Harley. He looks a bit like Lidstrom back there... So efficient and cerebral. Thought he was their best D man.

Leaving Scheifele off the roster is leaving the #3 goal scorer in the league off the roster. What did they struggle to do last night? Score goals. The guy happens to practice against Hellebuyck too. Knows his weaknesses has played with him for like 10 years. But yeah let's not take him because that would be too obvious. Canada deserves to lose with their soft goaltending and poor roster selection. I picked the Americans before the tourney because it's obviously a better constructed team even though I bleed red and white. I marched through Vancouver drunk as f*** in 2010 until 6am after we won. That roster felt inevitable. This one feels entitled.