I find the forward group harder to put together than previous best-on-bests. Not really an younger players this time that have decisively solidified a roster spot. No natural linemates that can form the foundation of a line, like Getzlaf + Perry. Canada has many quality players to choose from, some of them mid-career/post-peak players, and obviously the cornerstone superstar centres, but its a somewhat unusual group of forwards that don't fit together, at least on paper. Here is my take:
McDavid - Crosby - Reinhart
Lafreniere - MacKinnon - Konecny
Bennett - Point - Marner
Marchand - Scheifele - Stone
Thomas, Hagel
1. I have McDavid lined up on Crosby's wing, which will allow McDavid to float a little more freely up near the d-zone blue line and lead the rush with the puck on his stick...playing more to his strengths. Crosby is more than capable of taking care of business defensively against the opponent's top lines, can take key d-zone faceoffs, and obviously has the skill to complement McDavid. Reinhart is the triggerman on this line, and adds Selke-caliber defensive play from the wing (and can take faceoffs from his strong RHS side). Very strong top line for Canada.
2. MacKinnon between two natural wingers who can attack downhill with Nate with speed and aggression. Konecny is a beast at ES, can play an aggressive game, and has the all-around skill to back it up. To me, Lafreniere proved in last year's playoffs that he can play for Canada at the best-on-best level and possesses a good all-around offensive game.
3. I like Point at centre, as the triggerman, with the natural playmaker - Marner - on his right side. Those two players need a little oomph on their other side, so I thought Bennett would be a good fit. Tough to play against, good amount of skill, playoff beast the last 2 seasons, and off to a good start this season.
4. Firstly, its great to see Stone healthy and playing well. He easily nails down the 4RW role. Marchand is (somewhat unfortunately) already named to this team, but 4LW is a reasonable spot for him on this roster that allows him to excel on the PK, and play limited minutes in a more limited role. In my view, Scheifele has locked-down the 4C role.
Spares - Thomas, provided he's healthy, and Hagel. One could build a case for Bedard/Johnston/Byfield/Jarvis/etc if the goal is to build for 2026, but personally I don't think Canada will pursue that course of action and will look to win this tournament, and let the chips fall into place in about a year's time for the next Olympics.
Would also consider Hyman, Duchene, O'Reilly, Suzuki and probably a few others along with the youngsters.
