World Cup: Four Nations Tournament-Team Canada

[the valiant effort]

With the media banging the Wilson drum recently I get the feeling he’ll be there. Kinda like 2009 when Bobby Mac threw Bergeron’s name out there for 2010 before he had even rebuilt his post-concussion career. I think he had an inside track on how Yzerman and co felt about a healthy version of Bergeron as opposed to just a gut feeling.

 

[Regal]

I’m surprised that some still have hyman making the team. I know he had an amazing season last year but this year he has been struggling and now is injured. I’m pretty sure Mcdavid could play with anyone and doesn’t need hyman to help him play at his highest level.

It’s short tournament, just take your best players

Yea, I know he’s been a bit of a victim of puck luck going the other way this year, but while I can see the reasoning for bringing him last year or even the year before, I don’t think he’s naturally good enough to bring him if he’s not rolling and hope he is by the time the tournament rolls around.

With the media banging the Wilson drum recently I get the feeling he’ll be there. Kinda like 2009 when Bobby Mac threw Bergeron’s name out there for 2010 before he had even rebuilt his post-concussion career. I think he had an inside track on how Yzerman and co felt about a healthy version of Bergeron as opposed to just a gut feeling.

It just feels really weird to bring someone who might do something stupidly dangerous to a tournament designed to showcase the league’s stars

 

[the valiant effort]

It just feels really weird to bring someone who might do something stupidly dangerous to a tournament designed to showcase the league’s stars

I agree, he would be a ridiculous choice

 

[JackSlater]

Disagree here. Cirelli is playing really well this year and he fits that mould perfectly.

With how well Hagel and Scheifele (and I’d add Johnson, although he hasn’t played enough games to force his way in yet) are playing this year, that extra LW spot is covered. It could even go to Duchene.

Point-McDavid-Reinhart
Lafreniere-MacKinnon-Marner
Marchand-Crosby-Konecny
Cirelli-Thomas-Stone
Hagel/Scheifele

Those guys are having good years and I'm sure they are in the conversation, I'm not totally sure that Duchene or Scheifele isn't going to fall back to earth by February though, and their utility for next season and the Olympics is even less. I'd probably take Celebrini over them for a final LW spot, he's showing pretty well in terms of competitiveness, puck carrying, and even his scoring is not bad. Better investment for 2026 as well. But I'd also already have Bedard on the team.

Push comes to shove though I think it would probably go Hagel, Duchene, then Scheifele in terms of looking at that spot. But of course Hockey Canada may go completely rogue and we have no clue who the final depth spots will be.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Two games I’ve watched tonight; Tampa v Colorado and Los Angeles v San Jose.


Cirelli I think needs to be there, he did a great job against MacKinnon and is so good at stick level battles. It doesn’t hurt that his offensive game has taken off this year. Hagel and Point I think are locks. Rough night for Toews, I still think he’s a near lock but his normally exemplary defensive play and stick work has not seemed as efficient this year.



As for the other game, Celebrini is the most complete 18 year old I’ve seen enter the league since Matthews (19 YO in his case). I’d be seriously tempted to bring him along as 13th forward, he did everything so well and is probably the best pure skater that Canada has aside from MacKinnon and McDavid. Clarke scored and was a bit of a mixed bag, if he can play better below the circles I can see him making a case for Italy next year

 

[centipede2233]

Two games I’ve watched tonight; Tampa v Colorado and Los Angeles v San Jose.


Cirelli I think needs to be there, he did a great job against MacKinnon and is so good at stick level battles. It doesn’t hurt that his offensive game has taken off this year. Hagel and Point I think are locks. Rough night for Toews, I still think he’s a near lock but his normally exemplary defensive play and stick work has not seemed as efficient this year.



As for the other game, Celebrini is the most complete 18 year old I’ve seen enter the league since Matthews (19 YO in his case). I’d be seriously tempted to bring him along as 13th forward, he did everything so well and is probably the best pure skater that Canada has aside from MacKinnon and McDavid. Clarke scored and was a bit of a mixed bag, if he can play better below the circles I can see him making a case for Italy next year

Crosby went on to have a 102 pt rookie year in 2006, and he was left off team Canada. Team Canada isn’t taking a rookie in a best on best. I promise.

 

[TheDoldrums]

Crosby went on to have a 102 pt rookie year in 2006, and he was left off team Canada. Team Canada isn’t taking a rookie in a best on best. I promise.

But with hindsight the roster construction of that team was terrible and was the most extreme example of Canada choosing "structure over skill." You would hope they have learned some lessons since the days of choosing Gagne/Smyth/Draper over more talented players.

 

[Channelcat]

Crosby-McDavid-Reinhart
Verhaege-MacKinnon-Stone
Marchand-Point-Marner
Hagel-Thomas-Lafreniere
Suzuki

Toews-Makar
Morrissey-Pietrangelo
Theodore-Tanev
Bouchard

Binnington
Thompson
Talbot

I like Thompson at G. The guy is flying under the radar imho.

 

[Brett44]

Lafreniere - McDavid - Reinhart
Marchand - Crosby - MacKinnon
Hagel - Point - Marner
Bennett - Thomas - Stone
Scheifele / Konecny

Toews - Makar
Morrissey - Dobson
Theodore - Pietrangelo
Sanheim

Binnington
Thompson
Hill

one of the better line-up proposition.

 

[JackSlater]

Two games I’ve watched tonight; Tampa v Colorado and Los Angeles v San Jose.


Cirelli I think needs to be there, he did a great job against MacKinnon and is so good at stick level battles. It doesn’t hurt that his offensive game has taken off this year. Hagel and Point I think are locks. Rough night for Toews, I still think he’s a near lock but his normally exemplary defensive play and stick work has not seemed as efficient this year.



As for the other game, Celebrini is the most complete 18 year old I’ve seen enter the league since Matthews (19 YO in his case). I’d be seriously tempted to bring him along as 13th forward, he did everything so well and is probably the best pure skater that Canada has aside from MacKinnon and McDavid. Clarke scored and was a bit of a mixed bag, if he can play better below the circles I can see him making a case for Italy next year

I was getting at this as well with Celebrini. He's already elite in a few areas, gaining the line and puck battles etc., and could be an asset in a depth line, plus he gets some reps with guys like Crosby, MacKinnon, and McDavid before the 2026 Olympics.

I do not expect that he will make the team. I would be shocked if he was even given consideration. But over the last few weeks he's become someone I'd personally consider. Even in terms of scoring he's currently at 10 points in 12 games. Put him on a team with another elite scorer, especially on the PP, and he's likely have a few more.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Does anyone actually know how many spots there are on the roster? As in, can we carry 15 forwards on the roster? If so, bringing Celebrini or Bedard (or maybe even both) becomes a lot more feasible if you're smart about the 13th forward position and actually expect them to see some game time and a play a minor role on the team.

Then, as the #14 and #15 forwards, I'm sure Celebrini and/or Bedard would benefit (with an eye towards 2026) from practicing with the team and maybe dressing for a game.

 

[TheDoldrums]

Celebrini propaganda

And I know he's not really under consideration, but Tavares has quietly been pretty damn good this season.

 

[JackSlater]

Does anyone actually know how many spots there are on the roster? As in, can we carry 15 forwards on the roster? If so, bringing Celebrini or Bedard (or maybe even both) becomes a lot more feasible if you're smart about the 13th forward position and actually expect them to see some game time and a play a minor role on the team.

Then, as the #14 and #15 forwards, I'm sure Celebrini and/or Bedard would benefit (with an eye towards 2026) from practicing with the team and maybe dressing for a game.

They have consistently cited a 23 man roster, so 13 forwards. I'd definitely be all for 14 forwards like at the 2014 Olympics.

Along those lines, NHL.com released a final projected Canada roster (Canada final projected roster for 4 Nations Face-Off | NHL.com)

Went with this:

F: Barzal, Bedard, Crosby, Konecny, Lafreniere, MacKinnon, Marchand, Marner, McDavid, Point, Reinhart, Scheifele, Stone

D: Bouchard, Hamilton, Makar, Morrissey, Pietrangelo, Theodore, Toews

G: Thompson, Hill, Talbot

Almost everyone is agreeing on the core pieces by this point. Don't like what they did with the depth pieces though.

 

[McMoMoney29]

As an oiler fan I’m hoping only one Oiler makes it on this team… We have guys that can head man the PP good enough to not have to deal with Bouchards single handed goal against every game.

 

[centipede2233]

I think people are sleeping on montour. I take montour over Dobson right now

 

[Mathieukferland]

Not surprising, But Binningtom and Hill are on the team

 

[Regal]

They have consistently cited a 23 man roster, so 13 forwards. I'd definitely be all for 14 forwards like at the 2014 Olympics.

Along those lines, NHL.com released a final projected Canada roster (Canada final projected roster for 4 Nations Face-Off | NHL.com)

Went with this:

F: Barzal, Bedard, Crosby, Konecny, Lafreniere, MacKinnon, Marchand, Marner, McDavid, Point, Reinhart, Scheifele, Stone

D: Bouchard, Hamilton, Makar, Morrissey, Pietrangelo, Theodore, Toews

G: Thompson, Hill, Talbot

Almost everyone is agreeing on the core pieces by this point. Don't like what they did with the depth pieces though.

Is there any word on whether they can ice all 20 skaters like the Olympics? Would mean the 13th forward might be more useful as a utility guy like ROR (face offs and PKing) rather than just backup skill in case someone is hurt/playing poorly.

And I know he's not really under consideration, but Tavares has quietly been pretty damn good this season.

He looked done the first few games, but has really turned it on. He actually wouldn’t be the worst guy next to a McDavid or MacKinnon. They don’t need help driving play and he’s still really good around the net.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

View attachment 936113
Not surprising, But Binningtom and Hill are on the team

Daccord negotiations continue.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Now that players have started being named to the team, here is my final mock assuming 13+7+3=23

Marchand-MacKinnon-Konecny



MacKinnon has been the best player in the NHL this year, and is paired with Marchand with whom he has familiarity. Konency’s strong play and snarl sees him playing shotgun alongside MacKinnon, as they played on the same power play at the 2017 worlds.

Crosby-McDavid-Reinhart

It was difficult to decide who to put next to McDavid on the left; I considered Lafrenière, Bennett and Hyman. But ultimately Crosby plays a better grind game and net front game than all of those three. Means he doesn’t have to drive his own line either. Reinhart reunites with McDavid from the 2015 WJC power play and provides goal scoring and défense. Best line in the tournament and can be used in any situation.

Hagel-Point-Stone

These bottom two lines I want to play against the other team’s best players. Point and Stone are the pinnacle of IQ, and someone as clutch as Hagel has been in the worlds can’t be left off with how he is performing. All of these players step up when the lights are bright.

Cirelli-Thomas-Marner

Defensive situation line, all players excel off the puck and defensively in addition tk bringing offense. Cirelli was such a gamer in the first cup run and is playing gréât this season. Marner reunites with his good friend Thomas to form a line that can play against anyone.

13th forward: Jarvis

Can play all postions, can penalty kill. Steps his game up in the playoffs.

(Bennett, Lafreniere, Suzuki, Vilardi, Tavares, Bédard, Verhaeghe, McMichael, Celebrini, Hyman, Scheifele)

Toews-Makar

One of if not the best pairings in hockey, their inclusion is pretty self explanatory

Harley-Pietrangelo

I thought long and hard about bringing Theodore, but he does have a tendency to get walked 1v1 and this team already has enough powerplay defencemen. Harley and Pietrangelo form a duo a good first pass, size and defending.

Morrisey-Doughty

Morrisey has been a top 5 defender in the league this year, and can play in all situations. Doughty plays the Scott Niedermayer role from 2010, a reliable elder statesman.

(Power, Chychrun, Theodore,
Bouchard, Weegar, Dobson, Dunn, Parayko)

Binnington
Daccord
Hill

(Skinner, Talbot)



Terrible options, but Binnington and Hill have proven they can play their best when the stakes are the highest. Daccord is a wild card, but his strong play sees him included

 

[hangman005]

View attachment 936113
Not surprising, But Binningtom and Hill are on the team

I'd take Thompson over Hill for Vegas let alone Team Canada.

 

[Channelcat]

I'd take Thompson over Hill for Vegas let alone Team Canada.

Thompson looks like one of the best goalies in the league right now. I think Canadas "goaltending deficiencies" are being overstated.

 

[hangman005]

Thompson looks like one of the best goalies in the league right now. I think Canadas "goaltending deficiencies" are being overstated.

We made a mistake in trading him.... and that's a Hill I'll die.... pun fully intended

 

[NordiquesForeva]

They have consistently cited a 23 man roster, so 13 forwards. I'd definitely be all for 14 forwards like at the 2014 Olympics.

Along those lines, NHL.com released a final projected Canada roster (Canada final projected roster for 4 Nations Face-Off | NHL.com)

Went with this:

F: Barzal, Bedard, Crosby, Konecny, Lafreniere, MacKinnon, Marchand, Marner, McDavid, Point, Reinhart, Scheifele, Stone

D: Bouchard, Hamilton, Makar, Morrissey, Pietrangelo, Theodore, Toews

G: Thompson, Hill, Talbot

Almost everyone is agreeing on the core pieces by this point. Don't like what they did with the depth pieces though.

I've honestly never understood the love for Barzal in a national team context. Great skilled player, but doesn't really offer anything different than what some other guys already named (or expected to be named) to the team do. On a team with MacKinnon, Crosby, McDavid, Point, Marner (likely), and Bedard (perhaps), he doesn't really offer anything different or unique to the team, or otherwise fill a gap. With a structure of the team already in place, I'd prefer players like Lafreniere, Konecny, Bennett, Thomas, Cirelli, and Hagel to fill out the bottom of the roster over Barzal.

IF someone like MacKinnon, Point or McDavid goes down to injury before the tournament, Barzal would be a player I'd look to tap on the shoulder as a replacement for that skill. I just think Barzal is redundant with those guys already on the team.

 

[JackSlater]

I've honestly never understood the love for Barzal in a national team context. Great skilled player, but doesn't really offer anything different than what some other guys already named (or expected to be named) to the team do. On a team with MacKinnon, Crosby, McDavid, Point, Marner (likely), and Bedard (perhaps), he doesn't really offer anything different or unique to the team, or otherwise fill a gap. With a structure of the team already in place, I'd prefer players like Lafreniere, Konecny, Bennett, Thomas, Cirelli, and Hagel to fill out the bottom of the roster over Barzal.

IF someone like MacKinnon, Point or McDavid goes down to injury before the tournament, Barzal would be a player I'd look to tap on the shoulder as a replacement for that skill. I just think Barzal is redundant with those guys already on the team.

That's all fair. The main thing in my mind that is a positive with Barzal is that Duchene was generally pretty useful for Canada, and Barzal is a reasonably similar kind of player. Would be nice if he was a better goal scorer. At this point I've written him off for this team and I will be surprised if he's there. There are other options that can bring some extra versatility.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Thompson looks like one of the best goalies in the league right now. I think Canadas "goaltending deficiencies" are being overstated.

The point is he's good enough for a team like Canada.