Projected Team Canada Olympic Roster

In this post I’m going to give my roster prediction for the upcoming Canadian Olympic hockey team. There are way too many players, particularly at forward, that could be effective in this tournament. I’ll provide an explanation after each group.

Fowards:

Left Wing           Centre           Right Wing

Claude Giroux       Sidney Crosby        James Neal
Taylor Hall          Jonathan Toews        Jordan Eberle
Steven Stamkos      John Tavares          Martin St. Louis
Milan Lucic         Patrice Bergeron       Brad Marchand

Extra: Eric Staal

Overall Assessment:
I have 7 natural centres listed here. Canada will dominate in the faceoff circles. But the centres who are forced to play wing are going to have to play without the puck more and be willing to get in on the forecheck. If they can’t do this, then it’s better to take lesser players who are used to playing the wing.

Line 1: I’m taking a chance on this combination. Neal is a pure sniper who could play well with any centre on the team. But Crosby and Giroux will have to find chemistry and be willing to play hard away from the puck. Giroux likes the half-wall on his off-wing on the power-play so maybe it would work at full strength. If this line clicks, they’ll score enough goals by themselves for Canada to win the tournament.

Line 2: This is a more natural fit. Toews is smart enough and fast enough to make the two Edmonton wingers better. He also wins draws and will hopefully help keep Hall and Eberle in check defensively.

Line 3: Stamkos is moved from centre to his off wing so he can blast one-timers at the net. If Tavares can fit with the dynamic duo from Tampa, this line will provide elite scoring.

Line 4: I debated between an all Boston, all Carolina, or all San Jose fourth line. I finally settled on an all Boston trio. And as a Leafs fan it wasn’t an easy thing to do. But here’s why: There’s more than enough fire power in the top 9 forwards to get the job done offensively. But this Boston line can play a nasty, physical, in your face shut down style of hockey. They’ve shown in Boston that they will do anything for the team. I can hear the protests already! And I realize Lucic is coming off of a terrible regular season. But this line can physically dominate the European stars. If it doesn’t work in the first few games then bench them. The top 9 can carry the load anyway.

Defensemen:

Shea Weber  P.K. Subban
Duncan Keith  Brent Seabrook
Kris Letang Marc Staal

Extra: Drew Doughty

Overall Assessment:
This is a mobile defense that should excel on the bigger ice surface. They are all capable of making a good first pass. Many can join the rush and have the skating ability to avoid getting caught up ice. They are stars on their respective NHL teams but must be willing to adjust their roles for this tournament.

Pair 1: Weber stays at home and Subban joins the rush when possible. Both play a physical brand of defense and should log the most minutes against the top opposition.

Pair 2: I know that there are defensemen more talented than Seabrook that I’ve left out. But he’s very physical and makes a great first pass. And he’s played with his partner in Chicago for years which makes them easy to coach in a short tournament. If Seabrook really struggles on the big ice then Doughty can draw in.

Pair 3: Letang is an elite offensive defenseman. Staal will have to do his best Chara impression.

Goalies:

1/2. Roberto Luongo
1/2. Carey Price
3. James Reimer/ Corey Crawford

Overall Assessment:
Yes, I cheated and picked 4! Strangely, this is by far the weakest link in team Canada. Or at the very least, there are the most question marks surrounding this position. All goalies listed play in extremely large (and sometimes hostile) hockey cities which should help them. If Luongo can establish himself as a number 1 goalie (wherever!) before the tournament then this job should be his. But if he struggles or simply stays the highest paid backup goalie ever, then he can’t be thrown into the fire. Price needs to rebound from his terrible late season and playoff performance. If he comes back strong and gets into a groove then he can claim the number 1 job. Otherwise, Canada is going to have to turn to less proven and/or talented goalies like Reimer and Crawford. I’ve watched a lot of Reimer’s games. He’s a technicality sound butterfly goalies who never gives up on a play. He’s incredibly calm and one of the only Leafs goalie in recent years not to be rattled by the Toronto media and pressure. I really believe he’s on the brink of becoming a superstar, but the Olympics shouldn’t be the place to test him out.

Shootout: Captain: Crosby

1. Crosby Alternates: Weber, Toews
2. Toews
3. Giroux

Tournament outcome prediction:

Canada wins Gold
USA wins Silver
Sweden wins Bronze
Russia 4th

-Kirk Lougheed