Which players are Canada and USA being robbed of at the world cup?

[Canuckistani]

In other words, which U-24 players would make the national team if allowed?

On the Canadian side the only obvious candidates are Connor McDavid and Nathan Mackinnon at forward and Aaron Ekblad on defence.

Canada's depth allows it to still be strong, and maybe none of the above would make it anyway, but their non-eligibility still infuriates me.

The US seems to be harder hit. Johnny Gaudreau (tied for second in points) is the most obvious loss, with Alex Galchenyuk being a strong possibility along with Jack Eichel and Dylan Larkin. Seth Jones could well have made the team on D.

Anyone else?

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[JackSlater]

I'm confident that McDavid would make the Canadian team, likely in a fourth line LW role or possibly 13th forward. MacKinnon maybe, especially if Stamkos can't participate. Liekly not though. Almost no chance for Ekblad at this time, as Canada's right side defence is the strongest in hockey history.

USA is significantly affected, and it makes this tournament a joke. We know for a fact that Eichel would make it, given that Lombardi asked the NHL for the right to select him. Gaudreau would certainly make it as well. I would guess that Galchenyuk and Jones make it, not sure about any other young defencemen.

 

[Zero Pucks Given]

I'm confident that McDavid would make the Canadian team, likely in a fourth line LW role or possibly 13th forward. MacKinnon maybe, especially if Stamkos can't participate. Liekly not though. Almost no chance for Ekblad at this time, as Canada's right side defence is the strongest in hockey history.

USA is significantly affected, and it makes this tournament a joke. We know for a fact that Eichel would make it, given that Lombardi asked the NHL for the right to select him. Gaudreau would certainly make it as well. I would guess that Galchenyuk and Jones make it, not sure about any other young defencemen.

Either John Gibson or Connor Hellebyuck would be in contention for netminder.

 

[Henkka]

Will be a huge fan of this U24 team. And of course Finland.

 

[oilinblood]

Ive always thought that the NATIONAL teams should get first choice. SO if the National team wants Larkin/GAudreau etc...they have first choice.

That "under 24" team would be a great team to cheer for if it was heavy underdogs getting their chance. Think of how the USA team at the WC had guys who arent established NHL names. I like that and it would add an appeal while also allowing the National teams to not be so negatively affected.

I DO believe a under 24 NA or WORLD team could still be very competitive. Why not have a under 24 NA and under 24 WORLD teams? 24 seemed like a high age too (except when it comes to goaltending which you need experience to not be demolished in best on best). the sex appeal of the teams have to be the hunger and fact the guys are less known. fans can get behind that. As it stands now they are really wrecking something that could have worked.

 

[Xokkeu]

In other words, which U-24 players would make the national team if allowed?

On the Canadian side the only obvious candidates are Connor McDavid and Nathan Mackinnon at forward and Aaron Ekblad on defence.

Canada's depth allows it to still be strong, and maybe none of the above would make it anyway, but their non-eligibility still infuriates me.

The US seems to be harder hit. Johnny Gaudreau (tied for second in points) is the most obvious loss, with Alex Galchenyuk being a strong possibility along with Jack Eichel and Dylan Larkin. Seth Jones could well have made the team on D.

Anyone else?

The U24 team is why I'm not even bothering with this tournament.

Eichel and Gaudreau would be on the team. Jones would have a tough go because of the right side is pretty loaded for US depth. Larkin would be likely in my opinion. Galchenyuk probably not.

Gaudreau would be on our top scoring line so that one is quite crippling.

 

[fredligh]

Canadas loss is in my opinion close to none. Mcdavid yes for sure. But Canada is so stocked anyways so he won't be making a big difference. Same argument for Ekblad

 

[DJJones]

Canadas loss is in my opinion close to none. Mcdavid yes for sure. But Canada is so stocked anyways so he won't be making a big difference. Same argument for Ekblad

I'm not even sure if Ekblad would make Canada's Team B

Doughty
Keith
Vlasic
Weber

Letang
Subban
Seabrook
Brodie
Giordano
Pietrangelo

Those for sure and then;

Muzzin
Barrie
Rielly

Then I would probably take Ekblad. So ya around 14th. Haha god damn that's depth

 

[slobbergob]

I'm not even sure if Ekblad would make Canada's Team B

Doughty
Keith
Vlasic
Weber

Letang
Subban
Seabrook
Brodie
Giordano
Pietrangelo

Those for sure and then;

Muzzin
Barrie
Rielly

Then I would probably take Ekblad. So ya around 14th. Haha god damn that's depth

Ekblad is better than all three of these players.

 

[DJJones]

Ekblad is better than all three of these players.

Maybe potential wise but in a game today I'd take Muzzin and Barrie for sure.

 

[slobbergob]

Maybe potential wise but in a game today I'd take Muzzin and Barrie for sure.

I'm an Avs fan and I can definitively say right now that Ekblad is better than Barrie.