Who Would Make Canada's Roster If There Was Olympics This Year?

[london flyer]

I think Brandon Montour and Mackenzie Weegar deserve some love

 

[Nucks2001]

I think Brandon Montour and Mackenzie Weegar deserve some love

Agreed. Weegar would be good in a shutdown role. Both guys are better and have more to offer than Ekblad, who people look to immediately when creating these rosters.

 

[ORRFForever]

Bedard with 2 assists, tonight. He was easily the best Hawk - minus Mrazek. He sure is fun to watch.

I know Bedard has to pay his dues but Colorado was hooking the kid to death.

 

[ORRFForever]

I know we LOVE to dump on our D but, 5 of the top 10, and 9 of the top 20 D-Men (points wise) are Canadian.

 

[ORRFForever]

Stealing @Nucks2001 USA roster from earlier in the year, all of a sudden the U.S. doesn't looks so scary up front...

B.Tkachuk ----- A.Matthews ----- M.Tkachuk
J.Robertson --- J.Hughes --------T.Thompson
K. Connor ----- J. Eichel ----------C. Keller
T. Zegras-------D. Larkin--------C. Caufield
Extras: Matty Berniers, Matthew Boldy

Both Tkachuk brothers are meh in 2023. Thompson too.

Matthews is GREAT when he's on, invisible when he's off and never performed when it matters most - in the playoffs.

3rd line is great but Connor just had a serious knee injury.

The 4th line... Zegras was awful before he got hurt and Caufield has been a huge disappointment in Montreal after signing for BIG $$$.

Extras : Bernier is less than 0.5 ppg and Boldy would not sniff Team Canada.

On the plus side, the Vancouver duo of Miller and Brock Boeser can be added but Miller will be 33 (2026 Olympics) and Boeser has never been PPG prior to this year. What happens if the Vancouver point producing juggernaut is just a flash in the pan?

The U.S. has a strong team, of course, but, all of a sudden, Canada's looking pretty damn good (up front and on the back end compared to the U.S.) despite the 2016 - 2019 Draft Black Hole.

 

[ORRFForever]

I’ve seen people say that other teams have caught up, I don’t buy it.

See my post above. I agree, I think we're looking pretty good compared to our biggest rival.

 

[GermanRocket7]

...Zegras was awful before he got hurt ...

Yeah, no. He played the best hockey of his career BY FAR and was even defensively responsible. He was incredibly unlucky and snake-bitten, creating chances left and right. His main problem was, that nobody on his line was able to capitalize on any of their huge chances, mainly Terry. The reasons for the latter's struggles are simply sleep deprivation due to being a first-time father of a newborn kid.

 

[ORRFForever]

Yeah, no. He played the best hockey of his career BY FAR and was even defensively responsible. He was incredibly unlucky and snake-bitten, creating chances left and right. His main problem was, that nobody on his line was able to capitalize on any of their huge chances, mainly Terry. The reasons for the latter's struggles are simply sleep deprivation due to being a first-time father of a newborn kid.

Zegras had 2 points in 12 games.

NOTE : I am NOT trying to insult the U.S. Team. They look great but there are Canadian posters who want to raise the White Flag and I'm trying to make the case that they are wrong.

 

[HockeyWooot]

Stealing @Nucks2001 USA roster from earlier in the year, all of a sudden the U.S. doesn't looks so scary up front...

B.Tkachuk ----- A.Matthews ----- M.Tkachuk
J.Robertson --- J.Hughes --------T.Thompson
K. Connor ----- J. Eichel ----------C. Keller
T. Zegras-------D. Larkin--------C. Caufield
Extras: Matty Berniers, Matthew Boldy

Both Tkachuk brothers are meh in 2023. Thompson too.

Matthews is GREAT when he's on, invisible when he's off and never performed when it matters most - in the playoffs.

3rd line is great but Connor just had a serious knee injury.

The 4th line... Zegras was awful before he got hurt and Caufield has been a huge disappointment in Montreal after signing for BIG $$$.

Extras : Bernier is less than 0.5 ppg and Boldy would not sniff Team Canada.

On the plus side, the Vancouver duo of Miller and Brock Boeser can be added but Miller will be 33 (2026 Olympics) and Boeser has never been PPG prior to this year. What happens if the Vancouver point producing juggernaut is just a flash in the pan?

The U.S. has a strong team, of course, but, all of a sudden, Canada's looking pretty good (up front and on the back end compared to the U.S.) despite the 2016 - 2019 Draft Black Hole.

I don't think a slow start for the Tkachuks 30 games in means much.

I think their roster would be a bit different. Likely carry more vets instead of all youngsters.

Matthews Hughes Tkachuk
Robertson Eichel Connor
Miller Thompson Tkachuk
Kreider Larkin Guentzel
Beniers, Caufield

I don't think Zegras sniffs the roster personally.

 

[HockeyWooot]

My Canada lineup.

Hyman McDavid Stamkos
Barzal MacKinnon Marner
Marchand Crosby Stone
Byfield Point McTavish
Bedard

Toews Makar
Morrissey Pietrangelo
Theodore Doughty
Pelech, Dobson

Hill
Hart
Talbot

 

[ORRFForever]

I don't think a slow start for the Tkachuks 30 games in means much.

I think their roster would be a bit different. Likely carry more vets instead of all youngsters.

Matthews Hughes Tkachuk
Robertson Eichel Connor
Miller Thompson Tkachuk
Kreider Larkin Guentzel
Beniers, Caufield

I don't think Zegras sniffs the roster personally.

I don't want U.S. posters to stumble across what I wrote and see it as an insult. We just have too many "the sky is falling" Canadian posters and I'm trying to make a point.

************************************************************

^^ It's a terrific roster. ^^ My concerns...

* I am not a Kreider fan. Plus, he will 35 in 2026.
* I am NOT a fan of Caufield
* Berniers.... we'll have to see.
* JT Miller is an enigma. Average until he turned 30. Not sure what to think.

Again, it's a fine forward group but I think it's a step (or 2) below Canada.

 

[ORRFForever]

My Canada lineup.

Hyman McDavid Stamkos
Barzal MacKinnon Marner
Marchand Crosby Stone
Byfield Point McTavish
Bedard

Toews Makar
Morrissey Pietrangelo
Theodore Doughty
Pelech, Dobson

Hill
Hart
Talbot

I'd put Bedard with McDavid - drop Hyman. Remember, we are imagining 2026. Or, we keep Hyman (for weight and familiarity with McDavid) and Bedard plays the other wing?

Some young players will step up and replace Stamkos and Marchand - we have so many young kids who look amazing from the 2020 draft on. Maybe Sid gets replaced, too?

Having said that, nice job.

 

[GermanRocket7]

Zegras had 2 points in 12 games.

NOTE : I am NOT trying to insult the U.S. Team. They look great but there are Canadian posters who want to raise the White Flag and I'm trying to make the case that they are wrong.

So? I don't give a f*** about the US or Canada's roster, but measuring a player by points, and points only, is the kind of bullshit that enables average players getting superstar money, no matter which position. (Looking at you, Mr. Nurse.)

Zegras has played his best hockey so far, you'll be hard-pressed to find a single Ducks fan to disagree with that statement. Not to mention that his line hit, what, goal posts and crossbars for seven times in that 12-game span? Again, he was snake-bitten and had bad luck as well. Both of which are not going to be sustainable for the course of a full season.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

Bedard looks well on his way to becoming a bonafide superstar by 2026.

The development of Byfield and McTavish is great. While Dobson is playing like a stud defenseman right now, which adds further quality depth to Team Canada's defense.

I think Team Canada is looking quite strong.

 

[Nucks2001]

I don't want U.S. posters to stumble across what I wrote and see it as an insult. We just have too many "the sky is falling" Canadian posters and I'm trying to make a point.

************************************************************

^^ It's a terrific roster. ^^ My concerns...

* I am not a Kreider fan. Plus, he will 35 in 2026.
* I am NOT a fan of Caufield
* Berniers.... we'll have to see.
* JT Miller is an enigma. Average until he turned 30. Not sure what to think.

Again, it's a fine forward group but I think it's a step (or 2) below Canada.

Guentzel and Debrincat are both options for Team USA, who have been tearing it up this season. J.T and Boeser have taken strides. Zegras has certainly regressed. Wouldn’t worry too much about the Tkachuks’ slow starts, they’re just too good. The USA certainly has a ton of forward depth.

As of now, 6 Canadians and 6 Americans represent the top 12/20 point leaders. It’s closer than it’s ever been, but I’m liking Canada more and more as the season goes on for a few reasons:

Bedard has EXCEEDED expectations. The totals he’s putting up on that atrocious club is unbelievable at 18.

Robert Thomas and Mat Barzal are on-track to having their best seasons yet.

Steven Stamkos seems to have turned back the clock. Perhaps motivated because of his contract situation with Tampa.

Emergence of U-23 talent in McTavish, Dobson, Jarvis and Byfield.

Goaltending situation isn’t looking as bleak with Hill and Hart having strong seasons thus far and unexpected gems in Ingram and Talbot.

 

[Nucks2001]

As a Canucks fan, pains me to say that Horvat is having one heck of a season in that Islanders system. Would have chemistry with Barzal and similar to Reinhart in terms of what he would provide for Team Canada.

 

[ORRFForever]

So? I don't give a f*** about the US or Canada's roster, but measuring a player by points, and points only, is the kind of bullshit that enables average players getting superstar money, no matter which position. (Looking at you, Mr. Nurse.)

Zegras has played his best hockey so far, you'll be hard-pressed to find a single Ducks fan to disagree with that statement. Not to mention that his line hit, what, goal posts and crossbars for seven times in that 12-game span? Again, he was snake-bitten and had bad luck as well. Both of which are not going to be sustainable for the course of a full season.

Sounds good.

Guentzel and Debrincat are both options for Team USA, who have been tearing it up this season. J.T and Boeser have taken strides. Zegras has certainly regressed. Wouldn’t worry too much about the Tkachuks’ slow starts, they’re just too good. The USA certainly has a ton of forward depth.

As of now, 6 Canadians and 6 Americans represent the top 12/20 point leaders. It’s closer than it’s ever been, but I’m liking Canada more and more as the season goes on for a few reasons:

Bedard has EXCEEDED expectations. The totals he’s putting up on that atrocious club is unbelievable at 18.

Robert Thomas and Mat Barzal are on-track to having their best seasons yet.

Steven Stamkos seems to have turned back the clock. Perhaps motivated because of his contract situation with Tampa.

Emergence of U-23 talent in McTavish, Dobson, Jarvis and Byfield.

Goaltending situation isn’t looking as bleak with Hill and Hart having strong seasons thus far and unexpected gems in Ingram and Talbot.

I didn't mean to single you out, N2001. Your roster was the first I came across so I used it.

I think we both agree, things are looking UP - helped by the fact that so many Canadians started SLOW in 2023 but are now playing up to their ability.

 

[Nucks2001]

My Canada lineup.

Hyman McDavid Stamkos
Barzal MacKinnon Marner
Marchand Crosby Stone
Byfield Point McTavish
Bedard

Toews Makar
Morrissey Pietrangelo
Theodore Doughty
Pelech, Dobson

Hill
Hart
Talbot

Bedard’s already good enough to be in the starting line-up. A previous user suggested that we would get more out of Crosby on the wing as a puck retrieval guy considering his age. That would eliminate the need to bring Hyman for McDavid. I like the idea of that, plus Crosby can take face-offs if McDavid gets waved off.

A generational line of Crosby-McDavid-Bedard might be the way to go.

 

[Three On Zero]

My Canada lineup.

Hyman McDavid Stamkos
Barzal MacKinnon Marner
Marchand Crosby Stone
Byfield Point McTavish
Bedard

Toews Makar
Morrissey Pietrangelo
Theodore Doughty
Pelech, Dobson

Hill
Hart
Talbot

Canadas 1st line will still likely be Marchand, Crosby, MacKinnon. I doubt that line gets broken up until it proves to be ineffective

Hyman is a long shot, someone like RNH would be more effective due to his better special teams / defensive play

 

[ORRFForever]

When does Sid "the Kid" become Sid "the Old Man"?

We've just witnessed OV fall off a cliff, does that happen to Crosby before 2026?

To his credit, he's playing amazing on a garbage team.

 

[Nucks2001]

When does Sid "the Kid" become Sid "the Old Man"?

We've just witnessed OV fall off a cliff, does that happen to Crosby before 2026?

To his credit, he's playing amazing on a garbage team.

Exactly my point. I think having him on the 1st line LW will get the most out of him alongside a prime McDavid and a 21-year old Bedard. Sid can retrieve pucks and set plays for those 2. If he was to be a centre, I wouldn’t have him in my top 6. 3rd line Centre would probably be a better fit for him at this stage. You could also roll with Crosby playing on Mack’s wing. I someone suggested a Marchand-Crosby-MacKinnon line and while Canada can go to that, Marchand has already showed signs of decline in Boston. I still think Marchand would be useful in Team Canada, just in a lesser role. We have to start giving guys like Point, Marner, Barzal and Thomas the reins.

How I would set it up for 2026:

Crosby-McDavid-Bedard
Barzal/Byfield-MacKinnon-Marner
Stamkos-Point-Thomas/Barzal
Marchand-McTavish-Konecny

Extras: mix of scheifele, Reinhart, perfetti, stone, Verhaege, Horvat

I can’t believe some people on here are taking old farts like Stone, ROR, Tavares over guys like Barzal and Thomas.

 

[ORRFForever]

Exactly my point. I think having him on the 1st line LW will get the most out of him alongside a prime McDavid and a 21-year old Bedard. Sid can retrieve pucks and set plays for those 2. If he was to be a centre, I wouldn’t have him in my top 6. 3rd line Centre would probably be a better fit for him at this stage. You could also roll with Crosby playing on Mack’s wing. I someone suggested a Marchand-Crosby-MacKinnon line and while Canada can go to that, Marchand has already showed signs of decline in Boston. I still think Marchand would be useful in Team Canada, just in a lesser role. We have to start giving guys like Point, Marner, Barzal and Thomas the reins.

How I would set it up for 2026:

Crosby-McDavid-Bedard
Barzal/Byfield-MacKinnon-Marner
Stamkos-Point-Thomas/Barzal
Marchand-McTavish-Konecny

Extras: mix of scheifele, Reinhart, perfetti, stone, Verhaege, Horvat

I can’t believe some people on here are taking old farts like Stone, ROR, Tavares over guys like Barzal and Thomas.

You make good points.

Re : "Stone, ROR, Tavares over guys like Barzal and Thomas."

People go with what's familiar and what's won. It's tough to change.

JT is great at faceoffs but way too slow / old. Stone and ROR will be too old in 2026.

Re : "I still think Marchand would be useful in Team Canada:

Someone better will come along between now and 2026 and Marchand will not be included.

**********************************************************

There are so many elite prospects since 2020, older players will be in tough to make the team.

 

[lakai17]

Stealing @Nucks2001 USA roster from earlier in the year, all of a sudden the U.S. doesn't looks so scary up front...

B.Tkachuk ----- A.Matthews ----- M.Tkachuk
J.Robertson --- J.Hughes --------T.Thompson
K. Connor ----- J. Eichel ----------C. Keller
T. Zegras-------D. Larkin--------C. Caufield
Extras: Matty Berniers, Matthew Boldy

Both Tkachuk brothers are meh in 2023. Thompson too.

Matthews is GREAT when he's on, invisible when he's off and never performed when it matters most - in the playoffs.

3rd line is great but Connor just had a serious knee injury.

The 4th line... Zegras was awful before he got hurt and Caufield has been a huge disappointment in Montreal after signing for BIG $$$.

Extras : Bernier is less than 0.5 ppg and Boldy would not sniff Team Canada.

On the plus side, the Vancouver duo of Miller and Brock Boeser can be added but Miller will be 33 (2026 Olympics) and Boeser has never been PPG prior to this year. What happens if the Vancouver point producing juggernaut is just a flash in the pan?

The U.S. has a strong team, of course, but, all of a sudden, Canada's looking pretty damn good (up front and on the back end compared to the U.S.) despite the 2016 - 2019 Draft Black Hole.

Tkachuk bros will give Canada many power play opportunities.

 

[Ghetty Green]

If Brady Tkachuk had a different last name would he even sniff the top 6?

 

[ORRFForever]

If Brady Tkachuk had a different last name would he even sniff the top 6?

Not sure. His point production, prior to this year, was always increasing. I don't see him enough (Ottawa.... pffft) to comment on his play.

Tkachuk bros will give Canada many power play opportunities.

That's the hope. Their dad was useless on the international stage - IIRC.