This is complete flip from past Olympic tournaments where probably 2, maybe 3 American D-men would make up hypothetical combined Canada-US roster.
USA better goalies, better defenceman, better pure wingers, and closed gap at Centre position too. Less 2-way gritty, physical Cs and more elite Cs that can control tempo and neutral zones.
In that 1996-2016 period of International play, the way things typically were was the American wingers and sometimes goalies were comparable to the Canadians, while the Canadians held a clear edge at center and on defense. What's changed since play picked up again in 2025 is how much the American defensive depth has improved and Canadian goaltending has really fallen off.
I think you are right. The top-end elite talent is covering drop in elite depth for Canada.
Like last decade- Carey Price cover for how much goalies drop off and goaltending crisis in Canada. But Canada get away with it because you only need 1 goalie in tournament.
When looking at Canada's 2025 4N roster, my immediate thought was "WTF happened to Canadian goaltending?" But then reviewing their 2014 OG & 2016 WCF rosters, you're right, we were so amazed by peak Price in those tournaments that we ignored the signs of Canada's goalie depth thinning. Smith being 3rd string in 2014 was a bit of a warning sign, but in hindsight Holtby and Crawford being the best backup options for 2016 was an even bigger indication. So by the time international play resumed a decade later, the trajectory was there in hindsight.
I remember in 1998 when Canada didn't have room for a peak Ed Belfour because of Roy, Hasek and Joseph. Roy dropping out of the 2002 games was the only reason Belfour was able to make it that year. But if Canada's goaltending was then what it is now, I think Chris Osgood is an equivalent for who wouldn't made the team back then. As huge of a USA Hockey fan as I am, it still feels wrong how much Canadian goaltending has fallen off.
Now Cale Makar cover up how much Canada defenceman drop off. After Makar, based on this poll, American defencemen dominate (maybe Morrissey get in according to responses).
Interesing comparison between mid 2010's Price and current Makar covering up depth drop off at their positions. Unlike goalie, I think USA overtaking Canada in D is more about how much the American D has improved. When looking at USA's D for the 2026 OG the much improved depth really stood out. Schaefer is waiting in the wings for Canada though.
Same with forwards. I think top 3 of McDavid, Mackinnon, Celebrini cover up how much Canada forward depth not as elite compare to past. Lack of pure scoring wingers, the Cs after top line and Crosby not as elite and dominant.
Crisis in Canada. Top end cream of cream covering up how much depth is dropping off behind them,
I do disagree about centers, since in addition to the top 3 they also have Bedard coming up. Center remains a great strenght of Canada. I do agree about their pure scoring wingers though, as Marner was the only one in 2026 who fit that bill.
