Olympics: Rank the top 10 current countries at the Olympic Level.
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Svedu
Registered User
- Apr 23, 2019
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1. USA
2. Canada
These two are just unmatched when watching their rosters on paper.
3. Finland
4. Sweden
I'm pretty sure both nations would win in a playoff serie and in a single game against Russia. Especially Finland.
Perhaps Sweden would be considered as favorites in a series but in a single game? I would certainly pick Finland over Sweden. A compact team game with the superior center depth are decisive for me. And I'm not only stat watching, I'm looking what the centers and some finns can bring to the table. Lundell as a fourth center with his strengths? Luxury. I mean look at his +/- stats during all his years, his rising playoff production, the titles he's already won at 23. I don't know if a couple of Swedish fans underestimate this but I'm sure many Russian fans in here actually do. And it both surprises and excites me.
Barkov, Lundell, Luostarinen are a couple who would handle PK duties without any hesitation. Kucherov is of course amazing and so is Kaprizov but Laine when healthy and in PP? Rantanen? Lehkonen? I'm not that worried. The thing I like the most is they are very different. Also a thing a believe some can underestimate, the importance of balance. I'm not sure Finland will be that weak on the wings. TT, Laine, Lehkonen, Kakko, Granlund, Luostarinen, with- or without Hintz bring very interesting and different strengths to the table. And yes, I would claim that the difference between Finnish centers contra Russian are bigger than the difference amongst wingers amongst the top6 and perhaps even top9.
I mean Vasi is great, but I would be a fool if I didn't trust the Finnish goalies. Lankinen has always been clutch for Finland. Saros is the most known and accomplished in the NHL. Look at UPL's amount of SO last year in front of a lousy sabres defense. Not worried at all.
5. Czechia
6. Russia
Russia would perhaps beat Czechia in a playoff serie but in a national competition with a single elimination game? I would bet my money on the Czechs.
But those CBJ Russians have progressed pretty well making the Russian team deep at wing position.
Necas can punish anyone 5v5 with his speed. Pastrnak will punish you in the PP. Good top 6. Underrated bottom6 with role players like Ivan Ivan and Faksa. Kulich as a joker.
In the AHL they have growers like BlumelSvozil and Sapovaliv. The latter better than the numbers show.
Dostal is really good.
7. Germany.
8. Switzerland
9. Slovakia
These nations are close. Slovakia will be better in a couple of years than their current status. The Swiss are perhaps deeper than Germany but I could see Draisaitl, Stutzle and Seider being very impactful leaders for their nation. They are all elite. On a good day both Germany and the Swiss can upset Czechia and perhaps even Russia if they would underestimate their opponent. Also when watching a very underperforming Sabres Peterka seems like one of their best players in almost every game.
10. Latvia
2. Canada
These two are just unmatched when watching their rosters on paper.
3. Finland
4. Sweden
I'm pretty sure both nations would win in a playoff serie and in a single game against Russia. Especially Finland.
Perhaps Sweden would be considered as favorites in a series but in a single game? I would certainly pick Finland over Sweden. A compact team game with the superior center depth are decisive for me. And I'm not only stat watching, I'm looking what the centers and some finns can bring to the table. Lundell as a fourth center with his strengths? Luxury. I mean look at his +/- stats during all his years, his rising playoff production, the titles he's already won at 23. I don't know if a couple of Swedish fans underestimate this but I'm sure many Russian fans in here actually do. And it both surprises and excites me.
Barkov, Lundell, Luostarinen are a couple who would handle PK duties without any hesitation. Kucherov is of course amazing and so is Kaprizov but Laine when healthy and in PP? Rantanen? Lehkonen? I'm not that worried. The thing I like the most is they are very different. Also a thing a believe some can underestimate, the importance of balance. I'm not sure Finland will be that weak on the wings. TT, Laine, Lehkonen, Kakko, Granlund, Luostarinen, with- or without Hintz bring very interesting and different strengths to the table. And yes, I would claim that the difference between Finnish centers contra Russian are bigger than the difference amongst wingers amongst the top6 and perhaps even top9.
I mean Vasi is great, but I would be a fool if I didn't trust the Finnish goalies. Lankinen has always been clutch for Finland. Saros is the most known and accomplished in the NHL. Look at UPL's amount of SO last year in front of a lousy sabres defense. Not worried at all.
5. Czechia
6. Russia
Russia would perhaps beat Czechia in a playoff serie but in a national competition with a single elimination game? I would bet my money on the Czechs.
But those CBJ Russians have progressed pretty well making the Russian team deep at wing position.
Necas can punish anyone 5v5 with his speed. Pastrnak will punish you in the PP. Good top 6. Underrated bottom6 with role players like Ivan Ivan and Faksa. Kulich as a joker.
In the AHL they have growers like BlumelSvozil and Sapovaliv. The latter better than the numbers show.
Dostal is really good.
7. Germany.
8. Switzerland
9. Slovakia
These nations are close. Slovakia will be better in a couple of years than their current status. The Swiss are perhaps deeper than Germany but I could see Draisaitl, Stutzle and Seider being very impactful leaders for their nation. They are all elite. On a good day both Germany and the Swiss can upset Czechia and perhaps even Russia if they would underestimate their opponent. Also when watching a very underperforming Sabres Peterka seems like one of their best players in almost every game.
10. Latvia
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Russia's forwards would eat the Czech defense for breakfast. As would Canada, the US, Sweden and Finland.
Until Czechia can shore up their back end, they're solidly entrenched at #6.
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on paper, Russia is better no doubt, but I feel like Czechia always knows how to play against them and I think it would be pretty close
Czechboy
Náš f*cken barák!
- Apr 15, 2018
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I legit consider you one of the best Czech posters and totally know you are Finnish. Your posts about us are always must read for me to be honest!
Svedu
Registered User
- Apr 23, 2019
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Lol! Thanks mate. Glads me.
I wish the Flyers scouts have done their job in this upcoming draft. I would pick 4-5 Czechs and Pobezal. Rimpinen and perhaps Rautiainen as well.
Czechboy
Náš f*cken barák!
- Apr 15, 2018
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I'm just hoping scouts start taking some 'flyers' on some Czech prospects in later rounds. Get as many overseas and into the AHL as possible! Then hopefully a few rise up.
I'm hoping my Oilers grab Benak with a later round pick to be honest! He's a wildcard for sure but if it pays off it's a brilliant pick. Unless he goes first round of course.lol
Svedu
Registered User
- Apr 23, 2019
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Yep.
I get you. You and I wish Benak in our own franchise but not as a high pick. I would pick Cihar before but not only based on talent of course.
My biggest wishes for potential steals are Cihar, Westergård, Rimpinen, Galvas, Osmanis, Benak. I mean all of these could be selected in the third round and afterwards. Even if I have a hard time seeing Cihar and Osmanis fall out of the second round.
Rautiainen is a possible seventh round pick as well. Zemlicka isn't a crazy pick at seventh round either. Big guy who can skate?
Mastarlisky is someone I could see end up as a bottom6 in the NHL but not sure people want to draft him nor Rautiainen as overaged prospects. Perhaps because both would be more top9 kind of wingers than classical fourth liners, as for now at least.
Czechboy
Náš f*cken barák!
- Apr 15, 2018
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It is hypocritical but if I were an NHL GM i'd have a tough time giving my first round pick to Benak and it is 100% because of size. When he's on a team with Mrtka, Cihar, Novotny etc. He is clearly the best one on the ice. I expect him to tear shit up at the U18. Galvas is the same.. I'd absolutely toss a 5th to 7th rounder at him and I think it'd pay off in a few years but it's high risk/reward.
Masta is just like Adam Bares to me.. plays a very polished and pro game. Great on the PK. His hero would be Derek Ryan if he makes the NHL. Not impossible for him or Bares (or any number of pro's like this) but it won't be easy.
Rimpenen is someone you take all day long!
I think Volas may have some upside as a 7th rounder too.. big boy and plays well but he was on left side and our left side was deep!
WarriorofTime
Registered User
- Jul 3, 2010
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Here's how ChatGPT would rank the countries based on current players:
Top 10 Hockey Nations by NHL Rosters (Ranked)
1. Canada (Score: 98/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~42% of the league
- Key Players:
Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs), Sidney Crosby (Penguins), and many more. - Strengths:
Canada dominates both in terms of elite players (e.g., McDavid, MacKinnon, Makar) and depth (stars like Jonathan Huberdeau, Mark Stone, and Brayden Point in "secondary" conversations). Their player pool is unmatched in quantity and consistency across positions, especially forwards and defensemen. - Weaknesses:
Goaltending isn't as dominant as it once was, with players like Carter Hart, Tristan Jarry, and Jordan Binnington being solid but not elite compared to other nations' goalies.
2. United States (Score: 94/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~28% of the league
- Key Players:
Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers), Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils), Adam Fox (New York Rangers), Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), and Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators). - Strengths:
The United States boasts an extremely dynamic forward group, led by goal scorers like Matthews, veterans like Patrick Kane, and rising stars like Jack Hughes. On defense, Adam Fox, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy highlight a supremely talented group. In net, the USA shines as well, with strong goaltenders like Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Thatcher Demko. - Weaknesses:
Lacks the sheer volume of NHL contributors that Canada has, although the gap is narrowing. They also rely on young talent to keep pace in terms of depth.
3. Sweden (Score: 89/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~100 players
- Key Players:
Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks), Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs), Filip Forsberg (Nashville Predators), Jesper Bratt (New Jersey Devils), Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers). - Strengths:
Sweden is known for producing highly skilled defensemen, as seen with stars like Karlsson (2023 Norris Trophy winner), Hedman, and rising superstar Dahlin. They also have elite forwards like Elias Pettersson, Nylander, and Forsberg, who consistently rank among the NHL's best offensively, while versatile players like Mika Zibanejad offer two-way excellence. Swedish players often excel in leadership roles (e.g., Zibanejad, Hedman). - Weaknesses:
While Sweden's forwards are elite at the top, their offensive depth doesn't quite match Canada or the USA. In addition, elite Swedish NHL goaltenders are fewer in recent years, though Linus Ullmark (2023 Vezina Trophy winner) is a standout.
4. Finland (Score: 86/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~60 players
- Key Players:
Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche), Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers), Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes), Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators), Teuvo Teravainen (Carolina Hurricanes), Roope Hintz (Dallas Stars), Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars). - Strengths:
Finland punches above its weight in the NHL with a mix of skill and two-way play. They boast some of the league’s best all-around forwards, like Barkov (top-tier two-way center), Aho (offensive dynamo), and Rantanen (dominant scorer and Stanley Cup champion). On defense, Miro Heiskanen is an elite, smooth-skating blueliner. Additionally, Finland has become a goaltending powerhouse with NHL stars such as Juuse Saros and rising talents like Kaapo Kahkonen. - Weaknesses:
Finland's challenge lies in roster depth, as their NHL player pool isn’t as deep as Sweden's or the top two nations. They have elite pieces at each key position, but fewer high-end forwards and defensemen across the full lineup.
5. Russia (Score: 84/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~60 players
- Key Players:
Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild), Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers), Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers), Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning), Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals), Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina Hurricanes). - Strengths:
Russia produces game-breaking forwards, with Ovechkin (one of the greatest scorers in NHL history), Kaprizov, and Panarin all known for their dynamic offensive abilities. They also dominate in goaltending, with arguably the two best NHL goalies in Shesterkin and Vasilevskiy, who are capable of single-handedly stealing games. Russians are some of the most exciting and skilled players in the NHL. - Weaknesses:
Russia’s defensive depth is noticeably weaker compared to Sweden or Canada. While they thrive in offense (forward and goalie positions), the lack of elite Russian NHL defensemen limits their all-around roster. Recent political tensions have also complicated matters for Russian players in the NHL.
6. Czechia (Score: 78/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~40 players
- Key Players:
David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins), Jakub Vrana (St. Louis Blues), Tomas Hertl (San Jose Sharks), Pavel Zacha (Boston Bruins), Martin Necas (Carolina Hurricanes), Filip Hronek (Vancouver Canucks), Karel Vejmelka (Arizona Coyotes). - Strengths:
Czechia’s highlight is elite forwards, most notably David Pastrnak, one of the best scorers in the NHL (61 goals in the 2022-23 season). Other notable offensive players like Martin Necas and Tomas Hertl provide strong contributions, while Pavel Zacha is a versatile two-way forward. On defense, Filip Hronek leads as a solid puck mover. - Weaknesses:
Czechia lacks significant depth compared to the top five nations. They are missing high-end defensemen at the level of other nations like Sweden or Finland. Goaltending is a mixed bag, with Karel Vejmelka and others trying to gain traction but still not delivering elite performance.
7. Slovakia (Score: 74/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~15 players
- Key Players:
Erik Černák (Tampa Bay Lightning), Juraj Slafkovský (Montreal Canadiens), Tomáš Tatar (Colorado Avalanche), Jaroslav Halák (Free Agent), Marek Hrivík (Ready for NHL return). - Strengths:
Slovakia has an exciting talent pipeline, highlighted by Juraj Slafkovský, the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Erik Černák is an elite shutdown defenseman who has been a vital piece of Tampa Bay's success. Veterans like Tomáš Tatar are reliable contributors, and Slovakia has a long tradition of producing strong goaltenders, such as veteran Jaroslav Halák. - Weaknesses:
Slovakia’s current NHL presence lacks depth; its core consists mainly of a few stars and veterans while the younger generation takes time to develop. The forward pool beyond Tatar and Slafkovský is thin compared to nations like Finland and Czechia.
8. Germany (Score: 72/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~10 players
- Key Players:
Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings), Tim Stützle (Ottawa Senators), Philipp Grubauer (Seattle Kraken). - Strengths:
Germany boasts elite talent atop its roster, with Leon Draisaitl (arguably the second-best player in the league behind McDavid) and Moritz Seider (one of the NHL’s best young defensemen). Tim Stützle is emerging as one of the best young offensive players in the league, rapidly growing into an elite forward for Ottawa. Philipp Grubauer adds strength to the mix as a starter-level NHL goalie. - Weaknesses:
Germany’s NHL representation consists of only a handful of players. Outside Draisaitl, Seider, and Stützle, there’s a notable lack of depth at both the forward and defensive positions.
9. Switzerland (Score: 70/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~15 players
- Key Players:
Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils), Roman Josi (Nashville Predators), Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles Kings), Timo Meier (New Jersey Devils), Akira Schmid (New Jersey Devils). - Strengths:
Switzerland has some elite NHL players, led by Roman Josi, one of the league’s most dominant two-way defensemen. Nico Hischier, the captain of the New Jersey Devils, is an excellent two-way center and one of the NHL’s rising stars. Timo Meier and Kevin Fiala provide considerable offensive firepower, while Akira Schmid has shown promise as a young goaltender. - Weaknesses:
Switzerland lacks roster depth, relying on a handful of stars to carry its NHL representation. Beyond their top group, there isn’t a significant number of NHL-caliber players in other roles.
10. Denmark (Score: 65/100)
- NHL Player Count (Approx.): ~10 players
- Key Players:
Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets), Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Seattle Kraken), Mads Søgaard (Ottawa Senators). - Strengths:
Denmark has a couple of noteworthy offensive players in Nikolaj Ehlers and Oliver Bjorkstrand, who are consistent contributors to their respective teams. Frederik Andersen, though now in his 30s, remains one of the better NHL goaltenders, showcasing stability and consistency. - Weaknesses:
Denmark’s small NHL player count and a lack of depth in all positions make them significantly weaker compared to other nations. While they have a few key contributors, they don’t have enough NHL players to sustain relevance at a higher rank.
Final Rankings Recap (1-10):
- Canada – Unmatched in depth and elite talent.
- United States – Elite players across all positions with an incredible youth pipeline.
- Sweden – Heavy emphasis on elite defenders and playmakers.
- Finland – Dominant two-way players, strong goaltending, but lacks depth.
- Russia – Elite forwards and the NHL’s best goalies, dragged down by weak defensive depth.
- Czechia – Pastrnak leads a talented forward group but lacks depth overall.
- Slovakia – Emerging young stars like Slafkovský but thin representation.
- Germany – Draisaitl, Seider, and Stützle carry the nation, but depth is lacking.
- Switzerland – A small but elite top tier led by Josi and Hischier.
- Denmark – A few key contributors like Ehlers and Andersen but limited beyond that.
Analysis of the Scores and Spread
- Canada and USA lead the rankings because of their elite players combined with incredible depth. They dominate every key position and role.
- Sweden, Finland, and Russia hold firmly in the next tier with pockets of elite talent but struggle slightly with balance or depth at certain positions.
- Czechia, Slovakia, and Germany have smaller NHL footprints but still boast some individual stars leading the way.
- Switzerland and Denmark rely heavily on just one or two standout players, leading to lower overall scores.
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Here's Claude doing a similar comparison and analysis:
- CANADA (89/100)
Forwards: 29/30 (McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Point)
Defence: 26/30 (Makar, Morrissey, Theodore)
Goalie: 15/20 (Skinner)
Power Play: 10/10
Roster Depth: 9/10
- USA (86/100)
Forwards: 26/30 (Matthews, Hughes, Tkachuks, Connor)
Defence: 26/30 (Fox, Q.Hughes, McAvoy)
Goalie: 17/20 (Hellebuyck)
Power Play: 9/10
Roster Depth: 8/10
- SWEDEN (79/100)
Forwards: 22/30 (Pettersson, Nylander, Forsberg, Bratt)
Defence: 26/30 (Hedman, Karlsson, Dahlin)
Goalie: 16/20 (Ullmark)
Power Play: 8/10
Roster Depth: 7/10
- FINLAND (76/100)
Forwards: 24/30 (Rantanen, Barkov, Aho, Laine)
Defence: 22/30 (Heiskanen, Lindell)
Goalie: 16/20 (Saros)
Power Play: 8/10
Roster Depth: 6/10
- RUSSIA (74/100)
Forwards: 25/30 (Kucherov, Panarin, Kaprizov, Ovechkin)
Defence: 15/30 (Limited elite options)
Goalie: 19/20 (Shesterkin/Vasilevskiy)
Power Play: 9/10 (Kucherov-led unit)
Roster Depth: 6/10
- GERMANY (61/100)
Forwards: 20/30 (Draisaitl, Stützle)
Defence: 18/30 (Seider leads)
Goalie: 12/20
Power Play: 6/10
Roster Depth: 5/10
- SWITZERLAND (57/100)
Forwards: 17/30 (Fiala, Meier)
Defence: 20/30 (Josi leads)
Goalie: 10/20
Power Play: 5/10
Roster Depth: 5/10
- CZECHIA (55/100)
Forwards: 19/30 (Pastrnak, Necas)
Defence: 16/30
Goalie: 10/20
Power Play: 5/10
Roster Depth: 5/10
- SLOVAKIA (44/100)
Forwards: 14/30
Defence: 15/30
Goalie: 8/20
Power Play: 4/10
Roster Depth: 3/10
- DENMARK (42/100)
Forwards: 15/30 (Ehlers, Bjorkstrand)
Defence: 12/30
Goalie: 8/20
Power Play: 4/10
Roster Depth: 3/10
- Clear tier breaks:
Tier 1: Canada/USA (86-89)
Tier 2: Sweden/Finland/Russia (74-79)
Tier 3: Germany/Switzerland/Czechia (55-61)
Tier 4: Slovakia/Denmark (42-44) - The 7-point gap between USA and Sweden shows the significant drop-off after the North American nations
- Only 5 points separate Sweden, Russia, and Finland, showing how close these traditional powers are
- The 13-point gap between Russia and Germany marks another clear tier break
- The bottom five nations are relatively close to each other but far from the top five
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Czechboy
Náš f*cken barák!
- Apr 15, 2018
- 29,668
- 27,114
These AI things are pretty cool.
I will say that they said Czechs lack goaltending... Vej and Dostal are in midseason Vezina talks. we are just fine in net. Hottest goalie in NHL is Dobes too. Then about 5 other guys. However our 6th ranking is well earned and our D criticism is well earned. Not enough love for our PP IMO. Necas, Hronek, Pasta, Kulich and Jiricek could be absolutely lethal in a year. Or replace Jiricek with a Zacha/Hertl.
I will say that they said Czechs lack goaltending... Vej and Dostal are in midseason Vezina talks. we are just fine in net. Hottest goalie in NHL is Dobes too. Then about 5 other guys. However our 6th ranking is well earned and our D criticism is well earned. Not enough love for our PP IMO. Necas, Hronek, Pasta, Kulich and Jiricek could be absolutely lethal in a year. Or replace Jiricek with a Zacha/Hertl.
