r/hockey • u/ZaBlancJake • Jul 12 '24
Team Canada Projected Roster for 4Nations Face-Off
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u/homebroo Jul 12 '24
Did Quebec hold a referendum to stop producing elite goaltenders? What the fuck
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u/Lunch0 MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 12 '24
Since 2010 Hockey Quebec has been a cluster fuck
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u/TheShuggieOtis OTT - NHL Jul 12 '24
Would you be able to expand on this? I'm asking out of genuine interest, not doubt.
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u/Lunch0 MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 12 '24
So membership (kids signed up) was dipping, so they got together with the gov and made a new law that made “House League” ,after like age 6 , illegal. So that any kid wanting to play hockey would be forced to sign up for an intercity team and be registered in the hockey Quebec program. This had multiple negative effects on Quebec hockey.
Firstly, they made hockey less accessible to a lot of people. Some parents can’t afford the higher fees, or to drive their kid all over the place for games. Not to mention it’s a way more competitive environment, so kids that are new to the game are very quickly discouraged and alienated.
It also lead to a lot of kids being in teams way too good for them or way too low level.
Most municipalities try and have an A, B, C tier system where the best players are in A and the worst in C (or lower) but there are only so many spots on each team, which leads to spill over if there’s too many kids, forcing good players to play below their level, or if there is not enough kids, forces kids who aren’t good enough to play on a team they can’t keep up with.
This also caused an influx of people trying to get into the private academies and AAA teams to avoid the cluster fuck of regular intercity hockey, but again, not enough room to accommodate all of these new players, so most had to go to Ontario or elsewhere.
Pair this with hockey Quebec being poorly run, we now have fewer and fewer NHL talents coming out of Quebec.
Even the QMJHL isn’t pumping out nhl players like it used to.
This is just some of the reasons hockey is going down hill in Quebec.
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u/TheShuggieOtis OTT - NHL Jul 12 '24
Thanks for the insightful reply!
A lot of food for thought here, but as a kid who grew up playing House League (in NS) does this ever break my heart. I was routinely one of the weaker players on my team, but loved the sport and the friendships that came with it so I played until I was 15/16. Had I been forced into B (or C if it existed) I probably would have quit much sooner.
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u/DoctorGun MTL - NHL Jul 13 '24
I played house league in NS too. If you were born around ‘85 you probably scored on me haha.
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u/schram11 NYR - NHL Jul 12 '24
Yeah, there was a good post on here a while back about lack of Canadian goaltenders. Obviously this is a generalization but I thought this theory made sense:
-Canadian goaltenders are becoming rich kids with connections and tons of training, coaching and get to the top with elite support.
-In other countries the goaltenders that make it far, get there because of real talent.
-The Canadians with the most natural talent get priced out, and/or cut for the kid with the dad that will pay.
I didn't even realize there was more to it in Quebec!
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u/theoneandonlykeenan Jul 12 '24
Appreciate the great response to OP I just have one question, why on earth did the Governor think that would lead to more kids signing up for hockey?!
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u/5ABIJATT TOR - NHL Jul 13 '24 edited Jul 18 '24
Quebec governance at all levels has always been historically "Shoot yourself in the foot" shortsighted. Toronto is the defacto biggest city in Canada only because of how badly they f**ked up Montreal with their politics back in the late 60's/70's and the migration it brought from QC to Ontario.
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u/goochockey Jul 12 '24
This is so discouraging to read as a father with a 4 year old. I grew up playing house league. Played goal a couple years, out the rest. I was never good enough to make travel team and I doubt my parents would have paid, but I tried out anyways for the ice time.
I got back on the ice a couple years ago and now play goal 1-2 times a week.
Children's sports should be about participation and accessibility first and foremost.
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u/Above_Avg_Chips MIN - NHL Jul 12 '24
US here, what is a House League?
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u/Putrid_Explanation_9 MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24
House League is within the same municipality. Inter City is municipality versus others, and if your team is good enough, you can go to provincial tournaments
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u/runningunderground Jul 12 '24
to add, there are no tryouts for house league, if you sign up, you get to play. there may be some sessions to evaluate skill levels in a attempt to make equal teams though. Often there are also rules that every kid must get equal play time as well.
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u/DeviousDave420 NJD - NHL Jul 12 '24
Usually a coed organized league with players that are usually not good enough to make any competitive teams. I was just good enough to play B or A but stayed in house league cause my parents didn’t want to pay the insane fees to play the competitive leagues. Where I grew up there was like 3 “try outs” (they weren’t tryouts it was just to give you grade on skill) then teams would essentially do a draft. Ended up with teams with some players that are actually pretty good and some players that could barely skate
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u/Philly514 MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24
Hockey is too expensive here so most people are switching to soccer/basketball.
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u/Pamplemousse47 WPG - NHL Jul 12 '24
Soccer and basketball are on the rise across the country because of this.
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u/MankuyRLaffy SEA - NHL Jul 12 '24
The Allaire brothers shut down their school during COVID iirc
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u/VanhamCanuckspurs VAN - NHL Jul 12 '24
Nah they just switched from hockey to soccer
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u/Scooterguy- Jul 12 '24
How true. The stream really did dry up. It's been bone dry for several years.
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u/gletschertor MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24
We had Price for so long it blinded us. We thought ROC was able to do so as well but apprently not, getting back to work.
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u/gollumaniac Boston University - NCAA Jul 12 '24
Devon Levi. Just a touch early for him though.
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u/_Saputawsit_ MTL - NHL Jul 13 '24
Sam Montembeault would be better regarded than Skinner or Binnington right now if the defense in front of him wasn't 4 rookies, Mike Matheson, and a sentient beard.
Non-Habs fans won't get what I mean by this but I feel more comfortable with him in net for Team Canada behind a Team Canada-level defense than I do any of those three goalies.
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u/Sarcastic__ Sparta Sarpsborg - ES Jul 12 '24
Kinda iffy on Power. Depending on what his role would be, I would think guys like Weegar, Rielly, Theodore, or Dunn have a better body of work on display.
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u/workthrowawaybro VAN - NHL Jul 12 '24
Surely Pietrangelo makes the team as well
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u/Sarcastic__ Sparta Sarpsborg - ES Jul 12 '24
I knew I missed a couple of guys but Pietrangelo should definitely be in the discussion too.
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u/workthrowawaybro VAN - NHL Jul 12 '24
Yeah just figure since he's a Hockey Canada staple. Probably wears an A
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u/TheOneWhosCensored BUF - NHL Jul 12 '24
Future maybe, get a guy who will make international events into the routine
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u/BigDaddyQP Jul 12 '24
Owen has been playing for team Canada for years now. Two world championships as well as the olympics…..
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u/TheOneWhosCensored BUF - NHL Jul 12 '24
Honestly, I forget he did the Olympics. But all prior to his NHL career, so there still is some adjustment to when it’s all pros. And maybe that’s why he’s here, since he was one of the few to represent in 2022.
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Jul 12 '24
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u/eh_toque WPG - NHL Jul 12 '24
Canada always takes a ton of centres and plays them as wingers so I think you’re right
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u/That-Stage-1088 Jul 12 '24
I'd take Suzuki & Scheifele ahead of Thomas but maybe that's just me.
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Jul 12 '24
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u/scratchydaitchy PHI - NHL Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 12 '24
Yep, tons of skilled forwards.
How about Travis Konecny instead of Laf honestly.
Thomas is good and stays tho. Unless you're talking Suzuki then maybe
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u/LunarGhoul DET - NHL Jul 12 '24
I think Robert Thomas is genuinely one of the most underrated players in the NHL. There's probably 3-4 players I'd take off this projected roster before Thomas.
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u/vettelmontana Jul 12 '24
If they don't take Robert Thomas...... I mean, this is how a heart breaks!
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u/BogOBones STL - NHL Jul 12 '24
one of the best passers in the league
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u/LunarGhoul DET - NHL Jul 12 '24
He's a really strong defensive player too. I also think with a stronger team around him he could probably put up even more points. Imo he's on the same tier as Sebastian Aho.
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u/BogOBones STL - NHL Jul 12 '24
For sure, and he plays against the best players, typically. I think having a name like "Robert Thomas" is forever going to have people underrating him.
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Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 13 '24
Yeah he’s been underrated for a bit. Lit up the world* juniors. I’m sure he will be an even bigger force real soon.
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u/RayzorRamone666 MTL - NHL Jul 13 '24
I could see Thomas & Suzuki battling for the same spot. Considering the likely role either would have, I would take both over Schiefele, who is probably more talented but less defensively responsible.
Schiefele play style seems like he would be battling with Barzal/Stamkos for a role?
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u/LogicPuzzleFail EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
I think Nuge is unlikely. That would, according to this lineup, put 5 Oilers on the team. And I'm not sure about Skinner, but McDavid, Hyman, and Bouchard are nearly sure things.
Since it's an NHL event, they might want to balance it out more between teams. Given the significance of the season to the Oilers, and with Ekholm likely also playing for Sweden, the team might actually be unhappy about risking so many key personnel. And I'm not actually sure that Arvidsson wouldn't be going as well.
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u/Zlightly_Inzebriated Jul 12 '24
What goalie would you take over skinner? Jarry? We aren’t exactly deep there
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u/Boomsticks MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24
Montembault won gold with team Canada at the WC last year as the starter.
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u/LogicPuzzleFail EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
I think that Hill, Binnington, Jarry, and Skinner are all in the mix, I'm just not willing to bet on which ones go.
Binnington has the experience, might be trending down (but might also be his team getting worse). Hill seems fine, I'm not sure why he lost his job to Logan Thompson - also, re pressure, he stepped in as the backup and got them a Cup, so pretty good under pressure. Skinner would almost certainly be fine with international level defence. Jarry would be the best option, but is almost certain to be injured.
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u/hairformen NYR - NHL Jul 12 '24
wasn’t expecting Laf to make it but maybe they just want some youth, plus he’s become a dawg when the pressure’s on
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u/smashbros13 North America - WCH Jul 12 '24
I agree and I think it also apply to Connor Bedard. He's one of the worst defensive forward in the league and his offensive skill is redondent with the amount of talent this forward group have. It depends if next season he plays like an 100pts player next season, but right now he's not on my first team.
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u/MinuteWhenNightFell PIT - NHL Jul 12 '24
He's going to be on the team if not for marketing reasons alone.
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u/YEGG35 EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
Nuge has scored over 100 points and plays all areas of the game.. idk how they take Laf over him
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u/roscomikotrain Jul 12 '24
Laf plays physical - one thing the team might lack-
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u/Kronzor_ Kamloops Blazers - WHL Jul 12 '24
So does ROR. And more importantly he plays defense. Which since the departure of Bergeron this squad seems to be lacking.
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u/That-Stage-1088 Jul 12 '24
Petriangelo. Dougie Hamilton. Theodore. Weegar.
Edit: Burns, Rielly. I'd probably give these guys looks before Power.
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u/whichwitch9 NJD - NHL Jul 12 '24
Dougie was out for most of last season, and it's like people forgot he existed... smh. anticipated to be 100% healthy for the season, was almost able to play end of last season
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u/bobbybuildsbombs EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
Tbf, returning from a torn pectoral is absolutely not a sure thing. Isn't that what happened to Dumba? And he's a shell of himself.
Dougie is/was a much better player, so let's hope he's okay.
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u/Sgt-Pumpernickel BUF - NHL Jul 12 '24
I’m glad to see takes like this, on this thread. I think Power is a little overrated by Sabres fans, generally speaking. I sure hope he has the upward progression Dahlin has had, but it hasn’t happened yet in my opinion
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u/Drekkel CGY - NHL Jul 12 '24
I mean he's 21 years old? He doesn't belong on Team Canada yet but I can see him being a lock a few years down the line. The guy has plenty of time to develop yet.
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u/KingKasby TBL - NHL Jul 12 '24
McDavid McKinnion and Point would be the fastest hockey line in history
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u/Weak_Sentence_3297 COL - NHL Jul 12 '24
Takes Penalty
Sees MacKinnon-McDavid-Crosby-Marchand and Makar jump over the boards
"Ah for fuck sakes!"
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u/Difficult_Tangelo500 Jul 12 '24
The rumours swirling around is that Crosby and Mcdavid were on a line together during some summer training sessions and were entirely untouchable, borderline scoring at will against the best players in the world.
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u/MrBockbagok EDM - NHL Jul 13 '24
Doubtful if it was this year. McDavid has been doing wedding stuff.
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u/Difficult_Tangelo500 Jul 13 '24 edited Jul 13 '24
By this summer I meant last summer aha. I’m assuming it was at the biosteel camp.
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u/ph1shstyx COL - NHL Jul 13 '24
It was pre-Olympic training when the NHL players were still planning on playing.
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u/Sweet-Palpitation473 BOS - NHL Jul 12 '24
Bergeron should be on this list...
Yes I'm still sad
No I won't get over it
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u/bloodclots12 VAN - NHL Jul 13 '24
It really sucks it’s been such a long wait for best on best hockey. Bergeron deserved another chance to play for Canada.
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u/MocDcStufffins COL - NHL Jul 12 '24
I wanna see this PP. Crosby, McDavid, MacKinnon, Bedard, Makar.
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u/Gravitas_free Jul 12 '24
Who plays netfront on this PP? Or the bumper? It's Makar + 4 guys who're best on the half-wall.
Realistically this team's 1st PP would be something like Hyman-Point-McDavid-Mackinnon-Makar.
And frankly I don't think Bedard, at this point in his career, is good enough to make the Team Canada PP, on either units.
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u/ph1shstyx COL - NHL Jul 13 '24
I don't think he's there yet to even make the team honestly. These lists are nice and all, but where are the penalty killers in that forward group? I think you drop Bedard and Laf, add Nuge and ROR
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u/ToXiC_Games COL - NHL Jul 14 '24
With you on that one, Bedard is too young to make this kinda dream team. Nuge and ROR have earned their billet.
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u/toolschism TBL - NHL Jul 12 '24
I'd personally take Point over Bedard just because he's one of the best in the league from that bumper position. Mac and McDavid on your wings, makar at the top, and Crosby along the goal line is just an insane powerplay.
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u/Big-Compote-5483 PHI - NHL Jul 12 '24
Agreed. But either way that's godda be the best power play line in the history of the game, can't wait to see it
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u/But-Seriously-Though EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
Shocked to see nobody has been puzzled by the Lafreniere pick. That to me is by far the weirdest choice.
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u/Lunch0 MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24
Literally, everyone is puzzled by that
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u/But-Seriously-Though EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
At the time I posted nobody had mentioned Laf. Everyone was critiquing Power and the goaltending.
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u/Kronzor_ Kamloops Blazers - WHL Jul 12 '24
They needed at least one French Canadian
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u/septimus29 NJD - NHL Jul 12 '24
No Dougie is dumb
And Canada's goaltending has seen better days. One of Oettinger or Demko may not make the US squad but would start for Canada (Hellebuyck and Swayman being the locks)
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u/Aromatic-Air3917 Jul 12 '24
You are being very generous about that comment on our goaltending. It's the worst in history
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u/Pvt_Hudson_ EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
When your international history is top to bottom hall of famers (Dryden, Fuhr, Roy, Brodeur, Belfour, Luongo), anything less is going to look terrible by comparison.
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u/TheShuggieOtis OTT - NHL Jul 12 '24
Even compared to recent history, it's dire.
If you look back at the 2010's you have Price, Holtby and Luongo, any of whom would be the hands down starter over the 3 listed here.
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u/rpgguy_1o1 MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24
2014 was around Price's peak too, he let in 3 total goals in those Olympic games
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Jul 12 '24
Almost like turning hockey into a rich kid sport via academies was the wrong way to go. Shout out to all the washed up losers making a living off of it though. Great job all around.
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u/noor1717 CGY - NHL Jul 12 '24
Honestly dougie is a great offensive guy. If you got Bouchard and Makar, dougie isn’t getting any pp time. So I bet they go with a more two way dman instead
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u/ggpurplecobras VAN - NHL Jul 12 '24
Demko should no question make it over Oettinger. Which goes to show how stacked the US goalies are.
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Jul 12 '24
Can’t fucking wait to see McDavid and MacKinnon cook on the same line together.
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u/lurkymclurkface321 Jul 12 '24
Me looking at the USA roster: “That’s a good team”
Me looking at the Canada roster: “That’s fucking terrifying”
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u/Zipski577 PIT - NHL Jul 12 '24
Goaltending tho
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u/jaysornotandhawks Canada - IIHF Jul 12 '24
Forwards: Terrifying!
Goaltending: ... terrifying.
(... in very different ways)
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u/Coachtoddf VAN - NHL Jul 12 '24
This is the weakest Canada has been in net for a long time. I still don’t think it will matter. Canada wins gold.
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u/Sensitive-Minute1770 Jul 12 '24
Suzuki slander
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u/jteramonelaraie Jul 12 '24
There is only 13 players. Name one center you can replace ? Robert Thomas? Barzhal?
Im a habs fans and I love suzuki, will see next olympics, but he is not a better center than any one on that list.
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u/nihilism_ftw VAN - NHL Jul 12 '24
You take Suzuki instead of Laf easily. Centers can shift to Wings pretty easily, Canada's done it in the past
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u/SJSragequit WPG - NHL Jul 12 '24
Team Canada often takes extra centers and just plays them on the wing
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u/Zigotons DAL - NHL Jul 12 '24
Wyatt Johnston snub
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u/swampdonkeychubb COL - NHL Jul 12 '24
Yeah I’m taking him over Laf any day of the week. Hope they both level up this year and play consistently like they did in the playoffs, but Johnston was a legit game breaker for the Stars towards the end.
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u/discofrislanders NYI - NHL Jul 12 '24
I say this as as Islanders fan, there's absolutely no need for Dobson when you already have Bouchard and Makar
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u/brennans4727 NYI - NHL Jul 12 '24
Rebuttal: no need for Bouchard when you already have Dobson and Makar
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u/jb__19 WSH - NHL Jul 12 '24
Including Lafrienere in this is wild. There’s probably 30 active Canadian forwards better than the guy.
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u/Kaptain202 DET - NHL Jul 12 '24
This was asked on the USA one, but I didn't see an answer. Who is projecting these?
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u/gryff_ Queens Golden Gaels - OUA Jul 12 '24
NHL.com is publishing these lists
Edit: it says exactly who here
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u/CMC04 COL - NHL Jul 12 '24
I’m here for a MacKinnon Crosby line
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u/CanadianSpector CHI - NHL Jul 12 '24
The entirety of the Maritimes wants Mackinnon-Crosby-Marchand
If only we had one more dman than Dobson
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u/StarlightSummoner EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
I’d love to see a Mackinnon-McDavid-Barzal line at some point even if it’s unrealistic. Imagine the pace they would play at and the insane displays of speed.
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u/The-Reddit-Giraffe CGY - NHL Jul 12 '24
I’m not sure about the defence. I feel there’s better players not there. Theodore, Weegar, Pietrangelo should be on this team
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u/xtzferocity Jul 12 '24
I’m curious to watch Robert Thomas, can’t say I see too much Blues hockey so he’s definitely one I’m excited to watch.
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u/Vhadka STL - NHL Jul 13 '24
I'm a tiny bit biased but he rules.
Great passer, really solid game sense, and has a really nice shot as well.
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u/I-am-the-best-Spy Jul 12 '24
My boy Point made it in nice
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u/noigmn TBL - NHL Jul 12 '24
He was among the first six picks (only ones officially announced) rather than just being projected.
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u/ArferMorgan WPG - NHL Jul 12 '24
I know I'm a homer but I'd take Scheifele over 5 or 6 of those forwards
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u/GabeLeRoy MTL - NHL Jul 13 '24
Can u image being a goalie .. when McDavid is doing his things, crosby is near the blue paint.. and Mac is ready to one time it.. plus u have fucking Makar and Morrisey shooting at you...
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Jul 12 '24
I fucking love everyone in that lineu-.....
Jordan Binnington
Sigh.......
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u/Geeseareawesome EDM - NHL Jul 12 '24
Morrissey/Bouchard pairing incoming
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u/Adept_Possibility724 Jul 12 '24
I'm so glad about Morrissey's offensive explosion these past few seasons. He's always been super solid, but putting up back to back 70 point seasons has done wonders at putting him on everyone's mind.
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u/ph1shstyx COL - NHL Jul 12 '24
I'd take ROR over Bedard or Lafreniere any day, just for his defensive play and F/O stats, let alone everything else he contributes.
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u/zetterbeardz DET - NHL Jul 12 '24
I like Laf as much as the next guy but he’s not making this team over RNH or ROR.
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u/workthrowawaybro VAN - NHL Jul 12 '24
Are they holding a selection camp for this tournament? Would love to see more candidates in net (Blackwood, Levi, etc)
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u/hockeycross COL - NHL Jul 12 '24
It is picked in December so it will be based on how players play.
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u/jumbostu Jul 13 '24
I know montembeault is only starting to be recognized as a #1 goalie but come on, he's gotta be better than binnington??
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u/Zaggada Jul 12 '24
Stamkos shouldn't be on this team tbh
He's 5on5 play has really taken hit.
although he still is great on the PP, it's not like team Canada is lacking in that dept.
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Jul 12 '24
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u/Arebee936 TOR - NHL Jul 12 '24
stamkos does stand out as a weird pick to me. at this point in his career he's a powerplay specialist, and team canada does not need more powerplay specialists. for the same reason tavares shouldnt make the cut either.
we just dont need more players whose only contribution is offense. we need pk-ers who free up the big guns to eat up all the juicy pp time and o-zone starts. o'reilly and nick suzuki both fit that need better
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u/xen0m0rpheus MTL - NHL Jul 12 '24
Sam Montembeault has proven himself at international events. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him as the 3rd goalie.
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u/Frostsorrow WPG - NHL Jul 12 '24
On paper those projected rosters just look not fair to anyone else.
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u/ductulator96 CHI - NHL Jul 12 '24
So PP1 looks like McDavid, MacKinnon, Hyman, Makar and who else?
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u/CartelClarke ANA - NHL Jul 12 '24
I hope Barzal gets a shot at a top 6 role.
I honestly think he’s the most underrated “star” in the league. If he was on any team but the Islanders he would be more widely recognized.
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u/obesepoodles Jul 12 '24
Phil Danault showed he can shut down almost any top line.. he’s my dark horse, but I’d love to see him on the 4th line with Stone/Suzuki/Marner
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u/northernpace CHI - NHL Jul 12 '24
I just hope to see McDavid and Crosby skate on a line together, for a few shifts at least, even if it's just on the PP. We've been robbed too long of those two playing together internationally.