Certainly not as strong as our previous squads, particularly because of the defence and goaltending which were rock solid for seemingly decades and currently appear weaker and more unproven.
I like our depth at centre, but that's not something we've ever really struggled with (maybe 2006 Olympic team?). That being said, it may actually be better than some past iterations of a best-on-best team.
As you pointed out, Benn is the odd addition here, but contrary to what some believe, I do think there is value in including some natural wingers in the line-up as opposed to just overloading the roster with centres.
Playing wing is a skill set and can require some experience. Depending on the opponent and style of game, you may need a few guys who are used to crashing and banging in the corners and blocking shots at the blueline. However, if Benn were selected for this team after another subpar season, he may get the Primeau/Zamuner treatment from fans and the media. I think Hall would be the obvious replacement for Benn.
Solid defencemen are key for those tight elimination games where mistakes are unacceptable. In that vein, there are some unproven guys in there which could inspire some consternation. Giordano and Doughty are fairly solid, proven guys, so it's not all bad news, and some of our younger guys could emerge as the most valuable blueliners in a short tournament much as the Olympics served as Doughty's coming out party in 2010. Still, Pietrangelo is playing his worst hockey of his career, and Subban and Burns, as elite as they are, may not be as reliable as some of our previous star defencemen on past teams. Chabot or Letang might be a consideration for Pietrangelo, but then again, that style of play is likely already taken care of with guys like Burns, Subban and Rielly. Weber is tempting with that howitzer of a shot and Gold medal winning experience. I'd have to defer to Montreal fans as to whether he's up to the challenge at this point in his career.
Goaltending is a weakness compared to some past squads but at the same time, is any country really 100% excited about their goaltending situation? I certainly miss that comfortable feeling of knowing that we had that advantage in many international tournaments, but that is long gone at this point. But I like Holtby, Price AND Murray, it's a decent trio, and I think any one of them could win a Gold medal if required.
Overall though, I can't think of too many guys (aside from maybe Hall for Benn, and Letang in for Pietrangelo) that I would move up from your second team.
Well done.
