I agree with this. A lot of kids can't even afford to join hockey leagues or clubs because their families just flat out can't afford the costs. If Canada is developing this much talent on a year to year basis imagine the improvement that would be made if the game became more affordable for parents. Seems like a lot of people just look at the U.S and say ohh they'll eventually overtake Canada" We don't know that and it's silly to assume. Improvements can be made even to the best of the best. This country is definitely not maximizing it's potential to have even more depth than it already has
Imagine...Hockey isn't even our #1 growing sport. Yet we're still developing a crazy amount of hockey players/talent/Nhler's.
The thing with Canada is we are just natural at the game, it's part of our culture, we grow up with it, we teach it to all our kids even though we may not be able to afford it...we're playing some sort of version of the game. Whether it be floor hockey, or ball hockey we're playing. It's in our blood, the game is part of us and I don't think any country can duplicate that no matter the population size.
To answer the question: Canada is the favourite and will always be the favourite until someone can actually beat them.