Olympics: Team Canada 2026

[The Shadow]

Hyman in, Cirelli out

 

[wetcoast]

Wilson on the team. We don't lose anything offense wise, assuming he doesn't do anything stupid, and we gain size / nastiness.

I think there are better players to take and I'm assuming it's international refs, I'd rather not have a guy like Wilson there but would prefer more skilled players.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Ever since Monahan’s injury Fantilli has looked gréât centring the top line with Voronkov and Marchenko clicking at nearly a point a game. If he keeps it up his type of presence (burner with skill and size) is desperately needed and would solve a lot of problems in the bottom 6

 

[Nucks2001]

Ever since Monahan’s injury Fantilli has looked gréât centring the top line with Voronkov and Marchenko clicking at nearly a point a game. If he keeps it up his type of presence (burner with skill and size) is desperately needed and would solve a lot of problems in the bottom 6

Fantilli, Laf and Byfield need to start producing more. Yes, they’re more obvious options than PLD and Wilson skill-wise, but until they start becoming the “big boys” on their teams, they won’t be taken seriously.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Fantilli, Laf and Byfield need to start producing more. Yes, they’re more obvious options than PLD and Wilson skill-wise, but until they start becoming the “big boys” on their teams, they won’t be taken seriously.

Fantilli is just 20 years old and is showing signs already that he will be that big #1 C that the others haven't really. Next year might be a touch early for him, but I feel like he is one that a strong WC run in the spring could do wonders for his chances.

 

[JackSlater]

Ever since Monahan’s injury Fantilli has looked gréât centring the top line with Voronkov and Marchenko clicking at nearly a point a game. If he keeps it up his type of presence (burner with skill and size) is desperately needed and would solve a lot of problems in the bottom 6

Canada could really use another Marleau/Carter/Nash (or more) internationally, and he's one guy who could fit that profile. Big, fast, (maybe later) defensively responsible, brings a lot to the table and takes nothing off. Those utility guys are invaluable as complementary pieces internationally. He needs more time but the signs of life are encouraging.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Canada could really use another Marleau/Carter/Nash (or more) internationally, and he's one guy who could fit that profile. Big, fast, (maybe later) defensively responsible, brings a lot to the table and takes nothing off. Those utility guys are invaluable as complementary pieces internationally. He needs more time but the signs of life are encouraging.

Granted it’s a different level but the way he took over that semifinal (both physically and on the scoresheet) against the USA in Halifax is such the player type that Canada was lacking at the 4 nations. I think he’s closer than Lafrenière and Byfield at this point based on what he’s shown when he’s been given top line minutes

 

[ORRFForever]

I think he’s closer than Lafrenière and Byfield at this point based on what he’s shown when he’s been given top line minutes

^^ That's disappointing. ^^

Fantilli had a hat trick tonight. I feel his ceiling is much higher than LAF or Byfield at this moment.

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Wyatt Johnston needs to be on this team. Big game player who is a superstar in the making

 

[JackSlater]

Granted it’s a different level but the way he took over that semifinal (both physically and on the scoresheet) against the USA in Halifax is such the player type that Canada was lacking at the 4 nations. I think he’s closer than Lafrenière and Byfield at this point based on what he’s shown when he’s been given top line minutes

He's been a little weird internationally. He was a good soldier at the 2023 WJC but you'd hope for a bit more given his profile as an 18 year old. He had a big goal at the iihf world championship a few years ago (and like Celebrini, he shouldn't have been sent home before the tournament last year) but I don't think he did much else, could be wrong. He's unquestionably shown more than Byfield, who has never really shown that he can make good on what people hoped for. Lafreniere is a disappointment this year, you'd hope for more and the way the Rangers have used him can't really be blamed this season.

If Fantilli can finish this season strong I'd like to see him attend an Olympic summer camp, even though he's likely an extreme longshot to make the team.