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

[Tralfamadore]

I think McDavid makes the team.

 

[Nucks2001]

Would this be on an nhl size rink or international size? Probably wouldn’t make a whole lot of difference but personally I would be going with bigger players on the smaller ice than I would on the larger surface. I would imagine players like Byfield and Fantilli would be in the conversation just based on their size and skill alone

NHL event in 2025, so assuming it’s going to be smaller ice. Bigger ice for the Olympics in Italy tho

 

[Nucks2001]

A few things to note for the 2025 tournament as we approach the 50-game mark in 2024:

-Nathan MacKinnon is the best 5v5 player in the world

-Bedard is as advertised

-Crosby and Marchand are still very elite players.

-Canadian goaltending has improved from last season with Stuart Skinner’s resurrection and Connor Ingram’s emergence. Hart, Hill, Talbot Thompson, Binnington are options for Canada.

-Sam Reinhart, Brandon Hagel and Travis Konecny have emerged as molds for the protypical Canadian winger.

-Robert Thomas is on his way to becoming a top 10 centre in the league.

-Defence had gotten weaker with Piet’s regression, recent injuries to Pelech, Theodore, Ekblad, Montour and Chabot. Noah Dobson and Owen Power are both bright spots for Team Canada.

-We’ve seen flashes of young Canadian talent that management may take a chance on (Byfield, Mercer, Cozens, Jarvis)

 

[Dominance]

McDavid and MacKinnon being light years ahead of anybody else is so key. As of today:

Stamkos-McDavid-Marner
Point-MacKinnon-Reinhart
Marchand-Crosby-Bedard
Barzal-Thomas-Stone
Konecny

Eyes on established guys who could have a big season and force their way on like Verhaeghe, Hyman, Scheifele, Horvat, RNH, Batherson, Suzuki, Hagel, Kyrou, Couturier, Cirelli, Dubois, etc.

Eyes on young guys who seem primed to take the next step like Cozens, Dach, Vilardi, Jarvis, McTavish, Byfield, Lafreniere, Perfetti, Tippett, Johnston, Zary, Quinn, Fantilli, etc.

Toews-Makar
Morrissey-Dobson
Theodore-Pietrangelo
Doughty/Bouchard

Eyes on established guys who could have a big season and force their way on like Rielly, Dunn, Hamilton, Letang, Chychrun, Weegar, Sanheim, Chabot, Ekblad, Parayko,

Eyes on young guys who seem primed to take the next step like Drysdale, Harley, Power, Guhle, Byram, etc.

 

[Nucks2001]

McDavid and MacKinnon being light years ahead of anybody else is so key. As of today:

Stamkos-McDavid-Marner
Point-MacKinnon-Reinhart
Marchand-Crosby-Bedard
Barzal-Thomas-Stone
Konecny

Eyes on established guys who could have a big season and force their way on like Verhaeghe, Hyman, Scheifele, Horvat, RNH, Batherson, Suzuki, Hagel, Kyrou, Couturier, Cirelli, Dubois, etc.

Eyes on young guys who seem primed to take the next step like Cozens, Dach, Vilardi, Jarvis, McTavish, Byfield, Lafreniere, Perfetti, Tippett, Johnston, Zary, Quinn, Fantilli, etc.

Toews-Makar
Morrissey-Dobson
Theodore-Pietrangelo
Doughty/Bouchard

Eyes on established guys who could have a big season and force their way on like Rielly, Dunn, Hamilton, Letang, Chychrun, Weegar, Sanheim, Chabot, Ekblad, Parayko,

Eyes on young guys who seem primed to take the next step like Drysdale, Harley, Power, Guhle, Byram, etc.

Not many critiques here. This looks like a roster Hockey Canada would roll with. Only change up front might be Hyman or Verhaege instead of Stamkos on the 1st line.

There’s more question marks about the defence. The only locks at this point are Makar, Toews and Morrisey. Dobson and Theodore are likelies. But those other 4 spots are a bunch of question marks. I do think Pelech is someone they might look at for being that other defensive “anchor” alongside of Toews, similar to a Vlasic role rather than more offensive options in Dunn, Rielly, Ekblad or Chabot.

I could see Doughty playing his way onto the team. Pietrangelo seems like he’s on the decline, but he could very well play his way onto the roster next season.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Now that a certain goaltender is unlikely to be available to Hockey Canada going forward, it looks like it is Hill’s net to lose.

Good news is his looked great in his return last night

 

[Nucks2001]

Now that a certain goaltender is unlikely to be available to Hockey Canada going forward, it looks like it is Hill’s net to lose.

Good news is his looked great in his return last night

 

[NordiquesForeva]

For an Olympic tournament in 2024 (i.e., next month), I'd put together the following lineup:

Hyman - McDavid - MacKinnon
Marchand - Crosby - Reinhart
Byfield - Point - Marner
Hagel - Thomas - Konecny
Barzal, Verhaege

Toews - Makar
Morrissey - Dobson
Theodore - Doughty
Pietrangelo
Power

Hill
Skinner
??? Talbot...Thompson

Forward:
My only concern with the top line is that there is only one puck to go around; however, I think a McDavid/MacKinnon combination has the potential to overmatch anyone with their speed and skill, with Hyman responsible for puck retrieval and board play. If chemistry becomes an issue, MacKinnon could drop down to centre another line and Point could slot in next to McDavid.

I'd want the Crosby line matched-up against our opponent's top lines. I've always thought Reinhart was a very good defensive winger, and his goal scoring this season is almost icing on the cake. He was incredible in last year's playoffs too, and demonstrated a high level of skill on the biggest stage.

Point and Marner have played together before internationally, and would form the basis for a good 3rd line. Byfield has taken a huge step in his development this year, plays the wing, and has the speed to match that of Point. Like Hyman, Byfield's role would be puck retrieval and forecheck.

For the 4th line, I'd want a line of good 200-foot, ES players who could contribute with limited minutes. Barzal is someone I'd want in the bullpen if anyone in the forward group is underperforming or injured. If Bedard couldn't go due to injury (hypothetically speaking), I'd give the nod to Verhaege as a substitute. Stone and Stamkos would be considerations as well, but I'd be wary of Stone's footspeed on international ice and would have a bias towards a younger forward as an extra.

Overall - lots of speed and skill in the forward group, anchored by MacKinnon, McDavid and Crosby. For my money, those are three of the best four centres in the game. I actually like this forward group better than our 2014/2016 groups, as we would have a number of players at or near their peaks and the overall depth seems better than 8-10 years ago.

Defense:
Toews/Makar is a no-brainer. Morrissey is too, but that's where it gets kind of interesting. Dobson is a force this year, and a solid RHS d-man that can pair with Morrissey. From there....I like Theodore as a more offensively-biased d-man that can play the left or right side, and I still like Doughty as I think he'd bring his A+ game for us internationally. Pietrangelo is still a solid defender, and someone I'd have no trouble bringing along in a 7th d-man role. Then, Power as he's: (a) really good, and (b) a younger player that could benefit from the experience. After that, Reilly and Sanheim would be on my short-list, and Weegar would be too if we're looking for defense.

Overall - weaker than 2014/2016; as good as Makar and Toews are, they can't themselves replace Keith, Doughty, and Weber who anchored our previous teams. Personally I think the talent is there to get the job done, but we'd need a big effort from Doughty and rely on Dobson to continue playing in his current form.

 

[Nucks2001]

For an Olympic tournament in 2024 (i.e., next month), I'd put together the following lineup:

Hyman - McDavid - MacKinnon
Marchand - Crosby - Reinhart
Byfield - Point - Marner
Hagel - Thomas - Konecny
Barzal, Verhaege

Toews - Makar
Morrissey - Dobson
Theodore - Doughty
Pietrangelo
Power

Hill
Skinner
??? Talbot...Thompson

Forward:
My only concern with the top line is that there is only one puck to go around; however, I think a McDavid/MacKinnon combination has the potential to overmatch anyone with their speed and skill, with Hyman responsible for puck retrieval and board play. If chemistry becomes an issue, MacKinnon could drop down to centre another line and Point could slot in next to McDavid.

I'd want the Crosby line matched-up against our opponent's top lines. I've always thought Reinhart was a very good defensive winger, and his goal scoring this season is almost icing on the cake. He was incredible in last year's playoffs too, and demonstrated a high level of skill on the biggest stage.

Point and Marner have played together before internationally, and would form the basis for a good 3rd line. Byfield has taken a huge step in his development this year, plays the wing, and has the speed to match that of Point. Like Hyman, Byfield's role would be puck retrieval and forecheck.

For the 4th line, I'd want a line of good 200-foot, ES players who could contribute with limited minutes. Barzal is someone I'd want in the bullpen if anyone in the forward group is underperforming or injured. If Bedard couldn't go due to injury (hypothetically speaking), I'd give the nod to Verhaege as a substitute. Stone and Stamkos would be considerations as well, but I'd be wary of Stone's footspeed on international ice and would have a bias towards a younger forward as an extra.

Overall - lots of speed and skill in the forward group, anchored by MacKinnon, McDavid and Crosby. For my money, those are three of the best four centres in the game. I actually like this forward group better than our 2014/2016 groups, as we would have a number of players at or near their peaks and the overall depth seems better than 8-10 years ago.

Defense:
Toews/Makar is a no-brainer. Morrissey is too, but that's where it gets kind of interesting. Dobson is a force this year, and a solid RHS d-man that can pair with Morrissey. From there....I like Theodore as a more offensively-biased d-man that can play the left or right side, and I still like Doughty as I think he'd bring his A+ game for us internationally. Pietrangelo is still a solid defender, and someone I'd have no trouble bringing along in a 7th d-man role. Then, Power as he's: (a) really good, and (b) a younger player that could benefit from the experience. After that, Reilly and Sanheim would be on my short-list, and Weegar would be too if we're looking for defense.

Overall - weaker than 2014/2016; as good as Makar and Toews are, they can't themselves replace Keith, Doughty, and Weber who anchored our previous teams. Personally I think the talent is there to get the job done, but we'd need a big effort from Doughty and rely on Dobson to continue playing in his current form.

Excellent selections. I do think that Stone is fine in a bottom 6 role and his footspeed wouldn’t be that much of an issue if surrounded by guys like Thomas, Byfield, Point or Marner. He’s still one of the best 2-way wingers in the NHL, is still PPG and has that championship pedigree. Totally understand why you opted for younger options in Hagel, Byfield, and Konency tho and I don’t think you’re wrong.

 

[LTIR]

McDavid and MacKinnon being light years ahead of anybody else is so key. As of today:

Stamkos-McDavid-Marner
Point-MacKinnon-Reinhart
Marchand-Crosby-Bedard
Barzal-Thomas-Stone
Konecny

Eyes on established guys who could have a big season and force their way on like Verhaeghe, Hyman, Scheifele, Horvat, RNH, Batherson, Suzuki, Hagel, Kyrou, Couturier, Cirelli, Dubois, etc.

Eyes on young guys who seem primed to take the next step like Cozens, Dach, Vilardi, Jarvis, McTavish, Byfield, Lafreniere, Perfetti, Tippett, Johnston, Zary, Quinn, Fantilli, etc.

Toews-Makar
Morrissey-Dobson
Theodore-Pietrangelo
Doughty/Bouchard

Eyes on established guys who could have a big season and force their way on like Rielly, Dunn, Hamilton, Letang, Chychrun, Weegar, Sanheim, Chabot, Ekblad, Parayko,

Eyes on young guys who seem primed to take the next step like Drysdale, Harley, Power, Guhle, Byram, etc.

No love for Nurse? I think he will make it well ahead of Bouchard.

 

[Duder54]

Hyman has to be a lock at this point given his play the past two seasons.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Excellent selections. I do think that Stone is fine in a bottom 6 role and his footspeed wouldn’t be that much of an issue if surrounded by guys like Thomas, Byfield, Point or Marner. He’s still one of the best 2-way wingers in the NHL, is still PPG and has that championship pedigree. Totally understand why you opted for younger options in Hagel, Byfield, and Konency tho and I don’t think you’re wrong.

Yeah that's fair. I'm actually a big fan of Stone's and certainly wouldn't complain if he ended up on an Olympic team instead of someone like Hagel or Verhaege. I do have reservations about his footspeed on international ice. For instance, for a World Cup tournament played in North America, I would have him in my starting 12 forwards.

With the talent available at forward my personal preference would be to opt for speed throughout the lineup on international ice. That's not to knock Stone, just a personal preference.

 

[Boonk]

Yeah that's fair. I'm actually a big fan of Stone's and certainly wouldn't complain if he ended up on an Olympic team instead of someone like Hagel or Verhaege. I do have reservations about his footspeed on international ice. For instance, for a World Cup tournament played in North America, I would have him in my starting 12 forwards.

With the talent available at forward my personal preference would be to opt for speed throughout the lineup on international ice. That's not to knock Stone, just a personal preference.

Mark Stone has produced and played at MVP levels any time hes thrown on a Canadian jersey. I wouldnt be too concerned with the footspeed of international competition when he excels on that stage.

 

[Czechboy]

For an Olympic tournament in 2024 (i.e., next month), I'd put together the following lineup:

Hyman - McDavid - MacKinnon
Marchand - Crosby - Reinhart
Byfield - Point - Marner
Hagel - Thomas - Konecny
Barzal, Verhaege

Toews - Makar
Morrissey - Dobson
Theodore - Doughty
Pietrangelo
Power

Hill
Skinner
??? Talbot...Thompson

Forward:
My only concern with the top line is that there is only one puck to go around; however, I think a McDavid/MacKinnon combination has the potential to overmatch anyone with their speed and skill, with Hyman responsible for puck retrieval and board play. If chemistry becomes an issue, MacKinnon could drop down to centre another line and Point could slot in next to McDavid.

I'd want the Crosby line matched-up against our opponent's top lines. I've always thought Reinhart was a very good defensive winger, and his goal scoring this season is almost icing on the cake. He was incredible in last year's playoffs too, and demonstrated a high level of skill on the biggest stage.

Point and Marner have played together before internationally, and would form the basis for a good 3rd line. Byfield has taken a huge step in his development this year, plays the wing, and has the speed to match that of Point. Like Hyman, Byfield's role would be puck retrieval and forecheck.

For the 4th line, I'd want a line of good 200-foot, ES players who could contribute with limited minutes. Barzal is someone I'd want in the bullpen if anyone in the forward group is underperforming or injured. If Bedard couldn't go due to injury (hypothetically speaking), I'd give the nod to Verhaege as a substitute. Stone and Stamkos would be considerations as well, but I'd be wary of Stone's footspeed on international ice and would have a bias towards a younger forward as an extra.

Overall - lots of speed and skill in the forward group, anchored by MacKinnon, McDavid and Crosby. For my money, those are three of the best four centres in the game. I actually like this forward group better than our 2014/2016 groups, as we would have a number of players at or near their peaks and the overall depth seems better than 8-10 years ago.

Defense:
Toews/Makar is a no-brainer. Morrissey is too, but that's where it gets kind of interesting. Dobson is a force this year, and a solid RHS d-man that can pair with Morrissey. From there....I like Theodore as a more offensively-biased d-man that can play the left or right side, and I still like Doughty as I think he'd bring his A+ game for us internationally. Pietrangelo is still a solid defender, and someone I'd have no trouble bringing along in a 7th d-man role. Then, Power as he's: (a) really good, and (b) a younger player that could benefit from the experience. After that, Reilly and Sanheim would be on my short-list, and Weegar would be too if we're looking for defense.

Overall - weaker than 2014/2016; as good as Makar and Toews are, they can't themselves replace Keith, Doughty, and Weber who anchored our previous teams. Personally I think the talent is there to get the job done, but we'd need a big effort from Doughty and rely on Dobson to continue playing in his current form.

I'd give Ingrim a look over Talbot. He's been great!

 

[Nucks2001]

Hyman has to be a lock at this point given his play the past two seasons.

Depends on who’s constructing the roster. You are right in that Hyman would garner attention and is the current favourite for that 1st line LW. He’s been playing unbelievably the past 2 seasons, has chemistry with McDavid and provides the “grit” work for that line.

With that being said, it’s no surprise to anyone that he’s played alongside the best player in the world for the past 2 seasons while having career years. RNH is another player that Hockey Canada may look into for similar reasons. However, if management is opting for speed and youth then someone like Byfield or McTavish may get the nod. I also think Verhaege is making a case for 1st line LW and you could always roll with Crosby being your 1st line LW and puck retrieval guy. Hyman is also a versatile player and could very well play bottom 6 minutes on this team. It will be interesting to see how things pan out.

 

[Nucks2001]

For an Olympic Tournament (next month) in 2024. Assuming Bedard is injured:

Crosby-McDavid-Point
Marchand-MacKinnon-Marner
Verhaege-Thomas-Reinhart
Byfield-Horvat-Stone
Barzal-Konecny

Toews-Makar
Morrissey-Dobson
Pelech-Theodore
Power-Doughty

Hill
Ingram
Skinner

 

[NordiquesForeva]

For an Olympic Tournament (next month) in 2024. Assuming Bedard is injured:

Crosby-McDavid-Point
Marchand-MacKinnon-Marner
Verhaege-Thomas-Reinhart
Byfield-Horvat-Stone
Barzal-Konecny

Toews-Makar
Morrissey-Dobson
Pelech-Theodore
Power-Doughty

Hill
Ingram
Skinner

I like the idea of Crosby on McDavid's wing (or, alternatively, McDavid on Crosby's wing), and have thought that for a few seasons now. There are a lot of important things that Crosby could do on that line to take some pressure off of McDavid (faceoffs, assuming centre responsibilities down low, puck retrieval/board + corner work), while still complementing him offensively obviously.

Horvat is interesting...I've typically thought of Horvat more as a winger at the best-on-best level than a centre. He's quite good on faceoffs, but I don't think he has the typical centre skills like puck carrying/distribution and defensive play at a high-enough level. But he is having a good season and I wouldn't complain about him making it. Seems like a Hockey Canada kind of guy too.

On a recent 32T podcast they interviewed MacKinnon, and on the topic of best-on-best competitions he mentioned that he's played effectively with Marner in the past. I suspect those two would get a good look together in a Team Canada context. And of course he has familiarity with Crosby and Marchand from their summer workouts.

 

[Nucks2001]

I like the idea of Crosby on McDavid's wing (or, alternatively, McDavid on Crosby's wing), and have thought that for a few seasons now. There are a lot of important things that Crosby could do on that line to take some pressure off of McDavid (faceoffs, assuming centre responsibilities down low, puck retrieval/board + corner work), while still complementing him offensively obviously.

Horvat is interesting...I've typically thought of Horvat more as a winger at the best-on-best level than a centre. He's quite good on faceoffs, but I don't think he has the typical centre skills like puck carrying/distribution and defensive play at a high-enough level. But he is having a good season and I wouldn't complain about him making it. Seems like a Hockey Canada kind of guy too.

On a recent 32T podcast they interviewed MacKinnon, and on the topic of best-on-best competitions he mentioned that he's played effectively with Marner in the past. I suspect those two would get a good look together in a Team Canada context. And of course he has familiarity with Crosby and Marchand from their summer workouts.

Yea. Honestly, Horvat is just kind of the best choice for that last centre spot when you consider age, chemistry, defensive play and current production.

He’s younger and better than guys like Giroux and Tavares. Would offer more offensively than a guy like Danault. Schiefele might be a better replacement, but doesn’t provide the all-round game or PK ability that Horvat does. You could swap Stone for Barzal, who Horvat has chemistry with or Konecny (Horvat’s Cousin). You could also throw him on the wing. He’s just a versatile player that checks all the boxes. That being said, I would agree that Horvat isn’t the most “ideal” centre when compared to past Canadian rosters. I think opting for someone like McTavish and grooming them might be a better choice, but it depends how many stabs management is willing to take.

 

[5 14 6 1]

Based mostly on play this year with some respect to track records, this is close to how I see the depth charts. L5-7 are interchangeable

Hyman - McDavid - Point
Marchand - MacKinnon - Marner
Stone - Crosby - Bedard
Barzal - O'Reilly - Reinhart
RNH - Thomas - Verhaeghe
Konecny - Horvat - Scheifele
Stamkos (-17 yeesh)- Marchessault

Toews - Makar
Theodore - Petro
Morrissey - Dobson
Ekblad - Bouchard
Rielly - Montour

Hill
Skinner
Jarry
Ingram

 

[Nucks2001]

Based mostly on play this year with some respect to track records, this is close to how I see the depth charts. L5-7 are interchangeable

Hyman - McDavid - Point
Marchand - MacKinnon - Marner
Stone - Crosby - Bedard
Barzal - O'Reilly - Reinhart
RNH - Thomas - Verhaeghe
Konecny - Horvat - Scheifele
Stamkos (-17 yeesh)- Marchessault

Toews - Makar
Theodore - Petro
Morrissey - Dobson
Ekblad - Bouchard
Rielly - Montour

Hill
Skinner
Jarry
Ingram

Leaving off Robert Thomas who’s ahead of guys like Crosby, ROR, Barzal, Stone, Hyman in points is… bold. Other selections seem great. ROR has been having a revelation in Nashville this season and would still be effective in a shutdown role. I like the inclusion.

Ekblad? I’d honestly have Doughty over him. I’d have Rielly higher than him on the depth chart as well. Chabot and Dunn are more viable offensive options that could be considered. Weegar should also get some consideration.

 

[5 14 6 1]

Leaving off Robert Thomas who’s ahead of guys like Crosby, ROR, Barzal, Stone, Hyman in points is… bold. Other selections seem great. ROR has been having a revelation in Nashville this season and would still be effective in a shutdown role. I like the inclusion.

Ekblad? I’d honestly have Doughty over him. I’d have Rielly higher than him on the depth chart as well. Chabot and Dunn are more viable offensive options that could be considered. Weegar should also get some consideration.

The team has to ice 3 sets of F PKers, all those listed would play in those roles. If Thomas plays strong to end the year I would consider him heavily, just don't think he has the experience/versatility of the others.

Not sure how I left Doughty off. He'd probably be my 7th/8th D.

I'm of the mind Chabot is one of the most overrated players in the NHL so he doesn't make my list

 

[Nucks2001]

The team has to ice 3 sets of F PKers, all those listed would play in those roles. If Thomas plays strong to end the year I would consider him heavily, just don't think he has the experience/versatility of the others.

Not sure how I left Doughty off. He'd probably be my 7th/8th D.

I'm of the mind Chabot is one of the most overrated players in the NHL so he doesn't make my list

Thomas can absolutely kill penalties and is quickly emerging as one of the best two-way forwards under 25. I do understand why u want to go to with more established guys. Think that’s why a lot of people consider Danault for these tournaments as well.
I just think Thomas’ playmaking, size, age, face-off ability and PK ability makes him rare for Canada at the moment. He’s the closest thing that we have to a Jonathan Toews right now.

Ekblad is just so slow and shriveled up. I too think Chabot is overrated, but he’s better than Ekblad at this point.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Good news

 

[therealdeal]

I’m not sure what that says, but I like it?

 

[Mathieukferland]

I’m not sure what that says, but I like it?

Sorry I forgot to add in the translation, NHL players back at the Olympics in 2026