Olympics: Rank the top 10 current countries at the Olympic Level.

[Voight]

IOC is one thing, but you know very little of current events, European history and the current state of things to say that

Not at all. Your assumptions are wrong.

 

[moropanov]

We're a year away so that's quite the statement to make.

Participating teams will be determined in february 2025 it will be locked after that

 

[DesertPenguin]

Russia is getting too much respect from those that are choosing to include them. They're no higher than 5. Weak center and defensive depth. You could have the best 12 wings and goalie in the tournament and it doesn't compensate for that. I love Evegeni Malkin but if he's your 1C at his age, you've got a problem, and it only gets worse from there.

 

[Czechboy]

Focus on hockey please. @Mathieukferland is right!

 

[Czechboy]

Russia is getting too much respect from those that are choosing to include them. They're no higher than 5. Weak center and defensive depth. You could have the best 12 wings and goalie in the tournament and it doesn't compensate for that. I love Evegeni Malkin but if he's your 1C at his age, you've got a problem, and it only gets worse from there.

I think the Goalies could be real difference makers for them. I think the C depth is very poor. W's are insane though. I think the D is improving. Feel like every year there is another great looking Russian D coming in and I think Mint will be very good.

But, for sure, C depth is well beind with Big 4 (mostly due to age)

 

[Albatros]

You only need one solid goalie, lots of depth while obviously not a bad thing also doesn't move the needle much.

 

[Duder54]

1. USA
2. Canada
3. Russia
4. Sweden
5. Finland
6. Czech Republic
7. Switzerland
8. Germany
9. Slovakia
10. Denmark

 

[Dofs]

Nobody is saying otherwise. I was merely taking issue with the absurdity of banning all discussion about Russian hockey for political reasons. It's pure copium.

Copium for what?

 

[WarriorofTime]

Russia is getting too much respect from those that are choosing to include them. They're no higher than 5. Weak center and defensive depth. You could have the best 12 wings and goalie in the tournament and it doesn't compensate for that. I love Evegeni Malkin but if he's your 1C at his age, you've got a problem, and it only gets worse from there.

Whether a player is a center or wing matters very little. They have multiple gamebreaking talent at forward. And players that can all easily be the straw that stirs the drink on the line and doesn’t require some Canadian center to set them up in order to be effective. The idea that centers are inherently more important because they are centers is one of those unproven feedback loops as a result of all the best Canadian kids getting put at center.

 

[Czechboy]

Whether a player is a center or wing matters very little. They have multiple gamebreaking talent at forward. And players that can all easily be the straw that stirs the drink on the line and doesn’t require some Canadian center to set them up in order to be effective. The idea that centers are inherently more important because they are centers is one of those unproven feedback loops as a result of all the best Canadian kids getting put at center.

It is and I'll agree to an extent because Czechs are winger based too.

BUT

A centre can play wing if need be and I'd kill to have 9C's in my top 12 and put a few on Wing. Wings don't give that luxury.

But yes, I wouldn't be worried about Kaprizov or Kucherov not able to participate because the C's aren't as strong as them.

Also, Jagr was a winger so I may have a big bias here.lol

 

[WarriorofTime]

It is and I'll agree to an extent because Czechs are winger based too.

BUT

A centre can play wing if need be and I'd kill to have 9C's in my top 12 and put a few on Wing. Wings don't give that luxury.

But yes, I wouldn't be worried about Kaprizov or Kucherov not able to participate because the C's aren't as strong as them.

Also, Jagr was a winger so I may have a big bias here.lol

Yes, biggest issue for both would be faceoffs, imo. A good amount of Wings *can* play Center and likely switched off a good bit as young players, they just don't have as much experience in the pro games because NHL teams will have like 8 Canadian guys that came up as Centers.

 

[Nucks2001]

Understand the sentiment of Canada being #1 and the USA needing to improve themselves, but if we’re talking who a better roster on paper? It’s the USA as a Canadian. Canada has more depth in terms of who they left off, but the top 5 American guys who were left of Team USA are much better than the Canadian guys.

Goaltending is US by a wide margin
Defence is USA.

I don’t get how Canadians are even arguing that our blueline matches the Americans. When you have a blueline of Hughes, McAvoy, Fox, Slavin, Werenski and the 7th guy is Brock Faber, you’re doing much better than Parayko and Sanhiem. Makar, Morrissey, Toews and Theodore are a good group though.

Canadian forwards, especially the centers are where Canada has an advantage. The US has far more skilled wingers, while Canada’s wingers are more experienced and 2-way inclined. The US also has no one near Sam Bennett’s skill-level (could hear arguement for Kreider)

In my opinion, it’s okay to admit that the US has the better team on paper for the upcoming Olympics. Doesn’t mean they’re a better hockey nation than Canada. There’s plenty of tournaments in the future and it’s a chance for Hockey Canada to learn their lesson about proper development.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Understand the sentiment of Canada being #1 and the USA needing to improve themselves, but if we’re talking who a better roster on paper? It’s the USA as a Canadian. Canada has more depth in terms of who they left off, but the top 5 American guys who were left of Team USA are much better than the Canadian guys.

Goaltending is US by a wide margin
Defence is USA.

I don’t get how Canadians are even arguing that our blueline matches the Americans. When you have a blueline of Hughes, McAvoy, Fox, Slavin, Werenski and the 7th guy is Brock Faber, you’re doing much better than Parayko and Sanhiem. Makar, Morrissey, Toews and Theodore are a good group though.

Canadian forwards, especially the centers are where Canada has an advantage. The US has far more skilled wingers, while Canada’s wingers are more experienced and 2-way inclined. The US also has no one near Sam Bennett’s skill-level (could hear arguement for Kreider)

In my opinion, it’s okay to admit that the US has the better team on paper for the upcoming Olympics. Doesn’t mean they’re a better hockey nation than Canada. There’s plenty of tournaments in the future and it’s a chance for Hockey Canada to learn their lesson about proper development.

I'm not sure if Canada picked the best defense for 4 nations, depending on how it goes, they may want some subs for the Olympics, but I think you're selling short.

Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues
Alex Pietrangelo, Vegas Golden Knights
Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights
Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche

Biggest thing is I would have wanted one more offensively minded guy there. Actually looking though, Canada is a bit shallow on Powerplay Defensemen, with only 5 of the 22 NHL Defensemen with over 9 powerplay points on the season thus far being Canadian. Luckily though, they have Makar, and as long as he's healthy that's really all you need on Powerplays in a short event. The 2 Avalanche, 2 Knights bring a recent Stanley Cup pedigree in their major roles, and the three other #1 it's a very well rounded group with a lot of size and good Lefty/Righty balance.

I think Defense is pretty much a wash with Canada/USA. Up front, the USA has good forwards, but Matthews health will be a must. They don't have anyone that is Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon, so that really carries a downstream effect going from there. Right now, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel and Jack Hughes are the only Americans that are top 25 in scoring.

 

[Czechboy]

Understand the sentiment of Canada being #1 and the USA needing to improve themselves, but if we’re talking who a better roster on paper? It’s the USA as a Canadian. Canada has more depth in terms of who they left off, but the top 5 American guys who were left of Team USA are much better than the Canadian guys.

Goaltending is US by a wide margin
Defence is USA.

I don’t get how Canadians are even arguing that our blueline matches the Americans. When you have a blueline of Hughes, McAvoy, Fox, Slavin, Werenski and the 7th guy is Brock Faber, you’re doing much better than Parayko and Sanhiem. Makar, Morrissey, Toews and Theodore are a good group though.

Canadian forwards, especially the centers are where Canada has an advantage. The US has far more skilled wingers, while Canada’s wingers are more experienced and 2-way inclined. The US also has no one near Sam Bennett’s skill-level (could hear arguement for Kreider)

In my opinion, it’s okay to admit that the US has the better team on paper for the upcoming Olympics. Doesn’t mean they’re a better hockey nation than Canada. There’s plenty of tournaments in the future and it’s a chance for Hockey Canada to learn their lesson about proper development.

I think most agree us is better on paper.

Last 3 best on best where's won by Canada. Last us senior win was 1996

Ric flair time.. to be the man you gotta beat the man.

And imm neutral here and don't care since my people aren't even in the tournament.lol

 

[Nucks2001]

I'm not sure if Canada picked the best defense for 4 nations, depending on how it goes, they may want some subs for the Olympics, but I think you're selling short.

Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues
Alex Pietrangelo, Vegas Golden Knights
Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights
Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche

Biggest thing is I would have wanted one more offensively minded guy there. Actually looking though, Canada is a bit shallow on Powerplay Defensemen, with only 5 of the 22 NHL Defensemen with over 9 powerplay points on the season thus far being Canadian. Luckily though, they have Makar, and as long as he's healthy that's really all you need on Powerplays in a short event. The 2 Avalanche, 2 Knights bring a recent Stanley Cup pedigree in their major roles, and the three other #1 it's a very well rounded group with a lot of size and good Lefty/Righty balance.

I think Defense is pretty much a wash with Canada/USA. Up front, the USA has good forwards, but Matthews health will be a must. They don't have anyone that is Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon, so that really carries a downstream effect going from there. Right now, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel and Jack Hughes are the only Americans that are top 25 in scoring.

A top 4 of Hughes, Fox, McAvoy, Slavin is slightly better than a top 4 of Makar, Toews, Morrisey and Pietrangelo if we’re talking skill and eye test. I get that Canada’s Top 4 is more experienced, but the US has better shutdown guys and just as good offensive guys.

The 5th, 6th and 7th D could be argued. I think that Werenski and Faber are much better than Parayko and Sanhiem. I would take Shea Theodore over all of the guys mentioned. It still leans U.S.A. at the bottom though. What I’m trying to say I guess is that Canada’s D-Core doesn’t really have an advantage over other teams aside from playoff experience and the Makar factor. Used to be a huge strength of Canada’s

A lot of Americans having down years, but i’ll take Larkin, Connor, Boldy and Guentzel over Cirelli, Bennett and Konency from a skill perspective.

Obviously, the US doesn’t have a McDavid or MacKinnon, but they’re even or best Canada elsewhere.

Again, I’m not saying that the US is necessarily going to win the Olympics. I’m just saying that on paper, the Americans simply have a better, younger and more well-rounded roster heading into the Olympics. Canada might very well win, but this is the Golden Age of American Hockey.

 

[DesertPenguin]

Whether a player is a center or wing matters very little. They have multiple gamebreaking talent at forward. And players that can all easily be the straw that stirs the drink on the line and doesn’t require some Canadian center to set them up in order to be effective. The idea that centers are inherently more important because they are centers is one of those unproven feedback loops as a result of all the best Canadian kids getting put at center.

You're only thinking about offense. Centers are critical defensively and in transition. Good teams build down the middle first for that reason.

 

[WarriorofTime]

You're only thinking about offense. Centers are critical defensively and in transition. Good teams build down the middle first for that reason.

Good teams build around talent first and foremost.

 

[5 14 6 1]

With the Olympics upon in 2026, I'd love to see current rankings of teams. Below I've made projected rosters of most of the teams that can find themselves around the Top 10:

Spoiler: Team Canada

Team Canada
Point - Mcdavid - Marner
Hagel - MacKinnon - Reinhart
Marchand - Crosby - Stone
Scheifele - Tavares - Konecny
D.Strome/Thomas

Toews - Makar
Theodore - Pietrangelo
Morrissey - Hamilton
Dobson

Thompson
Kuemper
Hill

Spoiler: Team USA

Team USA
M. Tkachuk - Matthews - J. Hughes
Connor - Eichel - Miller
Guentzel - Larkin - Keller
B.Tkachuk - Thompson - Boldy
Caufield

Q. Hughes - Fox
Werenski - Mcavoy
Slavin - Carlson
Sanderson/Faber

Hellebuyck
Oettinger
Stolarz

Spoiler: Team Russia

Team Russia
Kaprizov - Malkin - Kucherov
Panarin - Barbashev - Svechnikov
Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Michkov
Marchenko - Buchnevich - Voronkov
Nichushkin/Tsyplakov

Sergachev - Gavrikov
Provorov - Orlov
Nikishin - Zadorov
Mintyukov

Shesterkin
Vasilevsky
Sorokin

Spoiler: Team Sweden

Team Sweden
Forsberg - Pettersson - Nylander
Bratt - Zibanejad - Kempe
Raymond - Eriksson Ek - Lindholm
Eklund - W. Karlsson - Rakell
Backlund

Hedman - Dahlin
Forsling - Karlsson
Ekholm - H. Lindholm
Brodin/Andersson

Markstrom
Ullmark
Gustavsson

Spoiler: Team Finland

Aho - Barkov - Rantanen
Lehkonen - Hintz - Laine
Lundell - Granlund - Teravainen
Haula - Kotkaniemi - Kakko
Luostarinen/Armia

Lindell - Heiskanen
Mikkola - Ristolainen
Valimaki - Maatta
Jokiharju

Saros
Luukkonen
Lankinen

Spoiler: Team Czechia

Team Czechia
Palat - Hertl - Pastrnak
Zacha - Necas - Kulich
Ivan - Chytil - Vrana
Nosek - Faksa - Kämpf
Lauko, Sale

Rutta - Hronek
Jiricek - Gudas
Svozil - Spacek
Ludvig

Dostal
Vejmelka
Mrazek

Spoiler: Team Slovakia

Team Slovakia
Slafkovsky - M. Pospisil - Tatar
Regenda - Honzek - Studenic
Cehlarik - Dvorsky - Hrivik
Sykora - Keleman - Lantosi
Mesar, Liska

Fehervary - Cernak
Knazko - Nemec
Ivan - Koch
Ceresnak

Skorvanek
Tomek
Hlavaj

Spoiler: Team Switzerland

Fiala - Hischier - Meier
Kurashev - Suter - Niederreiter
Thurkauf - Malgin - Andrighetto
Herzog - Corvi - Bertschy
Ambuhl/Riat

Josi - Siegenthaler
Moser - Bichsel
Berni - Kukan
Fora

Schmid
Genoni
Mayer

Spoiler: Team Germany

Team Germany
Kahun - Draisaitl - Peterka
L. Reichel - Stutzle - Pfoderl
Noebels - N. Sturm - Rieder
Michaelis - Tiffels - Ehliz
Kamerrer/Bergmann

Szuber - Seider
J. Muller - Gawanke
M. Muller - Wissman
Holzer

Grubauer
Niederberger
Franzreb

Spoiler: Team Latvia

Latvia
Vilmanis - Bluegers - Idrasis
Balcers - Abols - Daugavins
Mateiko - Locmelis - Dzierkals
Kastenbergs - Girgensons - Ravinskis
Tralmaks/Osmanis

Balinskis - Mamics
Rubins - Jaks
Zile - Freibergs
Bulans

Merzlikins
Silovs
Gudlevskis

Spoiler: Team Denmark

Team Denmark
Ehlers - Lars Eller - Bjorkstrand
Blichfield - Fisker Mølgaard - Rondbjerg
Aagaard- True - Russell
Storm - Wesje - Jensen

Koch - Bruggisser
Lassen - Jensen
M. Lauridsen - O. Lauridsen
K. Larsen

Andersen
Sogaard
Dichow

Spoiler: Team Belarus

Team Belarus
Sharangovich - A. Protas - Moroz
Allistrov - Pinchuk - Gorbunov
Drozdov - Stas - Sidorov
Borikov - Usov - Klimovich
I. Protas/Sushko

Kolyachonok - Levshunov
Solovyov - Falkovsky
Sapego - Yereyomenko
Kuzmin

Kolosov
Kulbakov
Velmakin

Spoiler: Team Austria

Baumgartner - Rossi - Rohrer
Zwerger - Kasper - Lebler
Raffl - Hundertpfund - Raffl
Kristler - Huber - Nissner
Ganahl/Zelenov

Nickl - Reinbacher
Biber - Heinrich
Wolf - Maier
Unterweger

Madlener
Kickert
Vorauer

Spoiler: Team Norway

Team Norway

Zuccarello - Pettersen - Bransegg-Nygaard
Thoresen -M. Johnsen - Olsen
Steen - Olimb - Martinsen
Olden - Salsten - Vesterheim
E. Olsen/Vikingstad

Lilleberg - Solberg
Kasatul - Johannesen
Bjorkvik Holm - Hansen
Lafton

Arntzen
Haukeland
Holm

Spoiler: Team France

Team France
Texier - Da Costa - Dubé
T. Bozon - Bellemare - Bertrand
Douay - Bougro - Fabre
Rech - Claireaux - K. Bozon
Treille/Carry

Auvitu - Guebey
Gallet - Thiry
Besnier - Llorca
Chakiavachli

Papillon
Keller
Junca

My Personal Ranking

1. Canada
2. Usa
3. Russia
4. Sweden
5. Finland
6. Czech Republic
7. Switzerland
8. Slovakia
9. Germany
10. Denmark

HM: Latvia (11), Belarus (12), , Austria (13),

Dobson is what people accuse Bouchard of being lmao. So overrated.