WJC: 2014 — Canada Roster Talk (Part II)

[TheKrebsCycle]

No I understand you're thinking and I like that team, I just have a hard to believing that one of the best offensive players gets left off the team. I think they will find a way to make sure they can take him.

Alot will obviously depend on how the season goes for the "bubble" guys (Shinkaruk, Gaunce, Reinhart, Porier, Laughton, Lazar, Gauthier, Wilson,Rychel). The offensive load can potentially be carried by the Monahan, Domis, Mantha, McDavid, Horvat (though Horvat I can see playing any role, he's that versatile). If it's judged that they have enough firepower, things like defensive awareness, checking become factors; Neither of which are current strengths (or may never be). I do think Hunter makes it though as the extra forward. In case of injury/poor play he could easily step into one of the scoring lines.

 

[Lundell4Prez]

No love for Matheson in Canada..

 

[arsmaster*]

How Mantha is a lock is beyond me.

He's as much a bubble guy as they have.

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

How Mantha is a lock is beyond me.

He's as much a bubble guy as they have.

I have him on the first line, so I have him as a lock (others are free to disagree obviously). His speed, size, shot should play very well in this format. If last year is any indication he's the only 50 goal scorer available...Give him Monahan or McDavid as his center and watch out...

 

[Wats]

Hudon was an alternate last season just like Rielly, and Reinhart's captaincy last season marked the first year he was in any sort of leadership position, meaning that Rielly's actually been in a position of leadership longer. Funny huh?

The only laughable thing here is you pretending to know anything about the guy. It doesn't matter what letter is on whose jersey; I don't know anything about who these guys are as people and neither do you.

He started off as alternate and was made captain couple months into the season in early December. This is a goal he scored in 12/13...announcer mentions how he's 'Captain Hudon' like 3 times and you can see the C on the jersey.

 

[wishywashy19]

You're probably right. It's going to be a hard team to crack.. So many good players will get cut.

I can remember how so many were crapping on the 2014 junior class after the fourth place finish last year. It is refreshing to have so much positive feedback and now thinking that a Shinkaruk is going to struggle to make the top 13 forward positions,

 

[tony d]

Can't see Drouin or MacKinnon making Team Canada in 2014 especially if they make their NHL teams out of training camp.

 

[y2kcanucks]

I don't see how Shinkaruk is a bubble player at all. Considering he was one of the final cuts LAST year, unless he has a poor start to the season this year I'd say he's a lock.

Assuming MacKinnon and Drouin are in the NHL:

Hudon-Monahan-Shinkaruk
Rychel-Horvat-Domi
Gaunce-Gauthier-Laughton
Poirier-Lazar-Mantha
McDavid

Reinhart-Reilly
Dumba-Nurse
Pouliot-Finn
Pulock

Fucale
Paterson
Comrie

 

[PhilMick]

I don't see how Shinkaruk is a bubble player at all. Considering he was one of the final cuts LAST year, unless he has a poor start to the season this year I'd say he's a lock.

Assuming MacKinnon and Drouin are in the NHL:

Hudon-Monahan-Shinkaruk
Rychel-Horvat-Domi
Gaunce-Gauthier-Laughton
Poirier-Lazar-Mantha
McDavid

Reinhart-Reilly
Dumba-Nurse
Pouliot-Finn
Pulock

Fucale
Paterson
Comrie

Omg that third line is checktacular.

 

[JonSt]

Surprised there's not more love for Pouliot. He's the best OFD at that level, I know his defence has come in for stick but I think it's underrated because of how good his offensive side is. He was lights out at the Memorial Cup and I see him take more of a shutdown role this season with Portland with him now being the last man standing of the 4 from last year. Reckon he might be a good shout for captain of the Winterhawks too.

Personally I wouldn't be taking Reinhart, he's suspended for 3 games and it's not like there's lack of able replacements.

 

[BeardyCanuck03]

These are my lines. I think Canada will put a heavy emphasis on returning defence/post draft +1. (hence why only Pulock is the only D drafted this year.)

I love the C depth, and the mix of size, speed, skill, and toughness throughout the wing. The hardest pick for me was 2nd line LW. I ended up choosing Domi over Shinkaruk because I feel he brings a little more to the team... (Physical play, board battle, etc.) No slight on Shinkaruk.


Hudon(C) - Monahan - S. Reinhart
Domi - McDavid - Mantha
Horvat - Laughton - Poirer
Rychel - Lazar - Gauthier
Gaunce

Reilly(A) - Reinhart(A)
Finn - Dumba
Severson - Pouliot
Pulock

Paterson
Fucale
Comrie

With the game being played on international ice, board play and battles will not be as important (you still need to be able to win them though).

I have a hard time seeing S. Reinhart making the team as he's not drafted yet and it's proven year after year that it's a 19 yr old tournament.

 

[BiggestLeafsFanEVER*]

With the game being played on international ice, board play and battles will not be as important (you still need to be able to win them though).

I have a hard time seeing S. Reinhart making the team as he's not drafted yet and it's proven year after year that it's a 19 yr old tournament.

Reinhart is a late birthday, he's the same birth year as the guy's just drafted and has the same level of experience as they do (2 years of junior) and has played at the same tournaments previously. I do not think he will be at a disadvantage merely because he's not drafted.

imo Reinhart's chances are better than McDavid's.

 

[YEGJuniorFan]

Reinhart is a late birthday, he's the same birth year as the guy's just drafted and has the same level of experience as they do (2 years of junior) and has played at the same tournaments previously. I do not think he will be at a disadvantage merely because he's not drafted.

imo Reinhart's chances are better than McDavid's.

He is easily one of the best players in the WHL as well

 

[ZKass The Bass]

Surprised there's not more love for Pouliot. He's the best OFD at that level, I know his defence has come in for stick but I think it's underrated because of how good his offensive side is. He was lights out at the Memorial Cup and I see him take more of a shutdown role this season with Portland with him now being the last man standing of the 4 from last year. Reckon he might be a good shout for captain of the Winterhawks too.

Personally I wouldn't be taking Reinhart, he's suspended for 3 games and it's not like there's lack of able replacements.

We have enough offensive ability on our backhand I don't think we need a specialist.

 

[YEGJuniorFan]

With the game being played on international ice, board play and battles will not be as important (you still need to be able to win them though).

I have a hard time seeing S. Reinhart making the team as he's not drafted yet and it's proven year after year that it's a 19 yr old tournament.

S Reinhart is the same age as Lazar, Domi, and Horvat. They all are 95's

 

[BeardyCanuck03]

S Reinhart is the same age as Lazar, Domi, and Horvat. They all are 95's

I stand corrected on Reinhart.

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Reinhart is a late birthday, he's the same birth year as the guy's just drafted and has the same level of experience as they do (2 years of junior) and has played at the same tournaments previously. I do not think he will be at a disadvantage merely because he's not drafted.

imo Reinhart's chances are better than McDavid's.

He is easily one of the best players in the WHL as well

I agree.

I would put Reinhart on the team before McDavid. He is currently the better player, imo.

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

I agree.

I would put Reinhart on the team before McDavid. He is currently the better player, imo.

Reinhart and Mantha's offensive prowess is why i question Shinkaruk inclusion. Just prefer their games. Also does Hudon belong on the first line with all the options? I have him more on the 3rd line/checker. I realize he's a returning player but his offense doesn't jump off the page statisticly.

 

[BeardyCanuck03]

Reinhart and Mantha's offensive prowess is why i question Shinkaruk inclusion. Just prefer their games. Also does Hudon belong on the first line with all the options? I have him more on the 3rd line/checker. I realize he's a returning player but his offense doesn't jump off the page statisticly.

Why do you consider Mantha's offensive prowess better than Shinkaruk's? Yes he scored more goals than Hunter this season but in a different league. How do you handicap the WHL vs QMJHL?

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

Why do you consider Mantha's offensive prowess better than Shinkaruk's? Yes he scored more goals than Hunter this season but in a different league. How do you handicap the WHL vs QMJHL?

Size, speed, shot vs small, speed, shot. Neither are defensive presences at all so I take the guy with the bigger toolbox. Looking at the roster I don't see alot of size, hence why he makes my lineup while Hunter may be left out in the cold. As far as different leagues, sure the Q is a more offensive but I don't think it's so great his numbers get discounted...I think Shinkaruk makes it as the extra forward in case a player on one of the top 2 lines goes down....Just my personal opinion.

 

[snizzbone*]

Can't see Drouin or MacKinnon making Team Canada in 2014 especially if they make their NHL teams out of training camp.

Really confused by this post..

If they don't make their NHL teams they will 110% be on Team Canada. If they do make their NHL teams they most likely won't unless their teams allow them to play (which is unlikely unless the teams are complete ass).

 

[lanky]

Size, speed, shot vs small, speed, shot. Neither are defensive presences at all so I take the guy with the bigger toolbox. Looking at the roster I don't see alot of size, hence why he makes my lineup while Hunter may be left out in the cold. As far as different leagues, sure the Q is a more offensive but I don't think it's so great his numbers get discounted...I think Shinkaruk makes it as the extra forward in case a player on one of the top 2 lines goes down....Just my personal opinion.

Mantha has the size but he hardly uses it. Shinkaruk has the superior work ethic which is why I'd bring him instead.

 

[YEGJuniorFan]

Reinhart and Mantha's offensive prowess is why i question Shinkaruk inclusion. Just prefer their games. Also does Hudon belong on the first line with all the options? I have him more on the 3rd line/checker. I realize he's a returning player but his offense doesn't jump off the page statisticly.

Hudon was one of Canada's best forwards before he got hurt last year. He could play on any line and be effective, but if you put him on the top line I think his experience will shine through

 

[BeardyCanuck03]

Mantha has the size but he hardly uses it. Shinkaruk has the superior work ethic which is why I'd bring him instead.

While I haven't watched Mantha play, that's what all the scouting reports have said.

If it comes down to Size vs Work Ethic... I take Work Ethic. You can outwork your size but you can't outsize work ethic issues.

 

[JonSt]

We have enough offensive ability on our backhand I don't think we need a specialist.

It might be the best part of his game but it's not the only part, he's no Ryan Murphy. Probably the best on the back line skating wise and in transition, which will be a big benefit on the international ice.