Make your 2010 Team Canada Roster

[Jason MacIsaac]

Interesting picks for the team,especially on the wings IMO.Duncan Keith being on the defense is interesting too!!

Care to explain when you've got time? I'm not saying the team you've got here is bad,i'd just be interested in knowing why you picked the guys you have.Players like Briere,Crosby,Staal are all either automatics or probables come 2010 but it's picks like Cammy,Perry,Mcdonald,Williams,Carter ETC that make me wonder just what kind of a team you envision with these guys on the final roster.

Every olympics we send the team of stars who score at the NHL level due to power or strength on the puck and we watch a team of fast players from other countries go with speed and agility. I feel Canada is the best nation in hockey talent and depth wise and we could send a team that would outskate every other team. The Olympics are 3 years away also so I think some of these players who quite are not there will be good enough for the international stage by then.

This team would outskate and IMO outproduce any team at the Olympics IMO. I have taken the Buffalo sabres model and simply added more skill and more talent. The right coach would be needed for this team.

Another key point of this team is puck movement. You can allways pass a puck faster then to skate with it. I found at Salt Lake they couldn't put together 3 straight passes. This team has alot of players who can make those passes, especially on the big ice.

 

[espo*]

Every olympics we send the team of stars who score at the NHL level due to power or strength on the puck and we watch a team of fast players from other countries go with speed and agility. I feel Canada is the best nation in hockey talent and depth wise and we could send a team that would outskate every other team. The Olympics are 3 years away also so I think some of these players who quite are not there will be good enough for the international stage by then.

This team would outskate and IMO outproduce any team at the Olympics IMO. I have taken the Buffalo sabres model and simply added more skill and more talent. The right coach would be needed for this team.

Another key point of this team is puck movement. You can allways pass a puck faster then to skate with it. I found at Salt Lake they couldn't put together 3 straight passes. This team has alot of players who can make those passes, especially on the big ice.

Thanks.I understand the model of play you want to use with these guys now.It's not a bad idea.

i think initially i would have thought this team isn't a good idea for the games that will be played on NHL size rinks but then you think of the sabres and the sucess they are having and maybe it's not that big a deal.I do believe efficient and dynamic puck movement will have to a be a bigger component of the team in 2010.

You mentioned the big ice but I do believe the games are going to be on nhl sized rinks yes? The big rinks are not going to be an issue as far as i'm aware so i've been trying to think of how our teams are going to need to be built on that starting premise.

Tough call coming up in 2010.

 

[wildone26*]

Why is Briere almost a lock? He is older then other guys vying for the team, who probably have more improvement left then him like Nash, Cheechoo, Crosby, Staal, Spezza, Bergeron. He would not be taken over guys like Gagne, Iginla, Thonton, Richards, perhaps Heatley. He would not be taken as a defensive forward. Guys like Smyth or Bertuzzi might be taken over him for loyalty reasons. Briere might have a shot at the next Olympic team but he will be in very tough, he is far from close to safe bet.

 

[espo*]

I don't think Briere is a lock to be picked in 2010 but i do think he's a lock to be given serious consideration when it comes time to pick that team.

 

[wildone26*]

I don't think Briere is a lock to be picked in 2010 but i do think he's a lock to be given serious consideration when it comes time to pick that team.

Ok I could see that much. He isnt even close to a Crosby-Staal like lock though.
As good as he is, and as underrated as he has been in the past, the fact that he is neither a guy with an expanded history at these type of events like Smyth, Sakic, Gagne, Iginla, etc......nor one of the youngest stars bidding for spots like Nash, Staal, Spezza, Crosby, etc....nor a defensive specialist, puts him in a spot he will really have to force his way onto the team. Being so good he cant be denied, which he could end up being, is the only way he makes the team IMHO.

 

[espo*]

Ok I could see that much. He isnt even close to a Crosby-Staal like lock though.
As good as he is, and as underrated as he has been in the past, the fact that he is neither a guy with an expanded history at these type of events like Smyth, Sakic, Gagne, Iginla, etc......nor one of the youngest stars bidding for spots like Nash, Staal, Spezza, Crosby, etc....nor a defensive specialist, puts him in a spot he will really have to force his way onto the team. Being so good he cant be denied, which he could end up being, is the only way he makes the team IMHO.

His international history is pretty darn good.

A world junior champion and ( if memory serves me correctly) a two time gold medal winner at the world hockey championships where he played a leading role as Heatley's main set-up guy on our best offensive line on both teams.

There actually are'nt that many guys for Canada being considered that have as good an international resume as him.

 

[wildone26*]

His international history is pretty darn good.

A world junior champion and ( if memory serves me correctly) a two time gold medal winner at the world hockey championships where he played a leading role as Heatley's main set-up guy on our best offensive line on both teams.

There actually are'nt that many guys for Canada being considered that have as good an international resume as him.

That is not what they seem to look at first though, not for events like the World Cup and Olympics, not when you are already a middle aged player. They look at events like the Olympics and World Cups first. If you are a young superstar and they want an excuse to put you on the team, they will look at an event like the World Championships more closely, that is what they did in putting Heatley on the 2004 W Cup team which he probably did not deserve, based on his strong 2004 W Championships performance. In the sense that the 2 biggest events are the Olympics and World Cup, the 2 events where your history means the most when you are not a real young player in picking an Olympic team(or a WC team) there are quite a few guys who have more international history for Canada then he, either that or are much younger as I said.

Briere will be 30 at the time of the 2008 World Cup and 32 by the time of the 2010 Olympics, and has never been picked for either event up until now.

Like I said I am not discounting him making one of those teams but the only way he makes it IMHO is if he is so good he cant be left off, if he literaly forces his way onto the team, which like I said could happen since he seems to be hitting his stride, but he will never be chosen as a remotedly bubble pick.

You even said you could see an entire line being made up of defensive specialists. In that case there will be only 9 offensive forwards possably. He would be up against Cheechoo, overrated Nash, Spezza, Crosby, Staal, and Bergeron among the younger up and comers; up against Gagne, Iginla, Smyth, Heatley, Thornton, and Brad Richards among the most proven of the forwards. He would be against possable "loyalty" or "overrated" picks like Smyth, the outrageously overrated Bertuzzi, Sakic(if he is still playing), the overhyped Vinny LeCavalier, if Gretzky is still in charge and still in Phoenix-Shane Doan. All that for only 9 offensive forward spots if they do follow through with what you suggested. That is not even counting dark horses like Marleau and Tanguay, or young guys who might emerge quicker then expected by then although I doubt anyone real young would make it for 2010.

 

[espo*]

I agree it won't be easy for him, gaining a spot on Team Canada never is except for a few exceptionals.

But he most likely will be considered and his international history playing for Canada is not bare nor dissapointing.

 

[wildone26*]

Well if Buffalo becomes the team of the next quadrennial and wins 2 or 3 Stanley Cups(which I am not saying will happen, but it is not impossable)that would pretty much ensure Briere making it IMO, as he would likely be the leader of that super formidable Buffalo team.

 

[Spawn]

Gagne-Crosby-Iginla
Nash-Staal-Spezza
Marleau-Thornton-Cheechoo
Smyth-Sakic-Morrow

Phanuef-Niedermayer
Bouwmeester-Hamhuis
Pronger-Seabrook

Luongo
Ward
Brodeur


I know many will disagree with the last line, but I think that would be a great fourth line/checking line, and Smyth is one of my favorite players, so I can't leave him off

 

[xMARCStheSPOT]

Gagne-Crosby-Iginla
Nash-Staal-Spezza
Marleau-Thornton-Cheechoo
Smyth-Sakic-Morrow

Phanuef-Niedermayer
Bouwmeester-Hamhuis
Pronger-Seabrook

Luongo
Ward
Brodeur


I know many will disagree with the last line, but I think that would be a great fourth line/checking line, and Smyth is one of my favorite players, so I can't leave him off

i like your third line a lot. but my line-up would look a little different:

Forwards 15:
Sidney Crosby
Eric Stall
Joe Thornton
Patrick Marleau
Patrice Bergeron
Dany Heatley
Jason Spezza
Jarome Iginla
Vincent Lecavalier
Mike Richards
Steve Bernier
Corey Perry
Daniel Briere
Travis Zajac
Simon Gagne

Defense 8:

Scott Niedermayer
Dion Phaneuf
Jay Bouwmeester
Marc-Edouard Vlasic
Brent Seabrook
Shea Weber
Kris Letang
Wade Redden

Goalies 3:

Roberto Luongo
Marc-Andre Fleury
Cam Ward

 

[jBuds]

I know it's homerish, but there's a good chance that Brian Campbell is directly in his prime come 2010 Olympics.

IMO he'd be the only Sabre making Canada's team three years down the road from now.

Unless, of course, Pominville explodes

I think there's too much of a glut to put Briere on the team up front in a few years - however, if he continues this level of play he's at now, through 2010, it'd be tough to leave him off.

 

[1970]

I don't really know where Danny Briere will be in 2010 but i'd be very shocked if Brian Campbell isn't there for Canada.

 

[Vanucks]

Forwards: (15)
Patrice Bergeron
Jonathon Cheechoo
Sidney Crosby
Simon Gagne
Dany Heatley
Jarome Iginla
Vincent Lecavalier
Patrick Marleau
Brendan Morrow
Rick Nash
Dustin Penner
Brad Richards
Jason Spezza
Eric Staal
Joe Thornton

Defence: (8)
Jay Bouwmeester
Dan Boyle
Dan Hamhuis
Scott Hannan
Scott Niedermayer
Dion Phaneuf
Chris Pronger
Robin Regehr

Goaltenders: (3)
Marc-Andre Fleury
Roberto Luongo
Cam Ward

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

If Joe Sakic is still kicking around by 2010 and is still playing at a level resembling what he's playing at now I think he's basically a lock. He's played for Canada quite a few times now, and is one of the most respected hockey players in the NHL. Not to mention he'd bring a ton of veteran presence. He probably wouldn't have a major role, but even as a defensive minded center or something I think he makes the team for sure.

 

[therealdeal]

Potential Goalies (at the moment):
1. JS. Giguere (his team may be part of his success right now, but team Canada should be at least as good as Anahiem)
2. Cam Ward (young goalie proves he can handle a lot of pressure and stays solid, which really is all Canada should need)
3. Roberto Luongo (Proved he can win really big games even when thrown in cold, ie the World Championships after Burke went down, World Cup after Broduer injured wrist, would like to see him in some playoff runs though)
4. Marc-Andre Fluery (OWES US A FREAKING GOLD MEDAL, plus the kid is a stud, would need some major playoff experience though)
5. Martin Broduer (Could be good to have just for the experience even if he's not playing great, just as a 3rd goalie, also I don't see his performance dropping off significantly)

Potential Defensemen (at the moment):

1. Brent Seabrook (This guy gets 32 points on Chicago last year, leads in ice time and is the only player with a + +/-, he's a stud)
2. Dion Phanuef (Best open ice hitter in the game? Absolute rocket from the point which hopefully will develope a little more control in the next 3 years)
3. Shea Weber (Pair him up with Dion just like in the WJC and watch them treat the openents like children, he can hit, he can score, and can play defense)
4. Jay Bouwmeester (The only defenseman in 2006 to actually play every game well, skates well with the puck, fast enough to play against any forward group, finally living up to potential)
5. Scott Neidermeyer (One of the biggest losses in 2006, if he's still healthy and can skate gonna be hard to leave him off)
6. Robyn Regher (Struggled slighty with the big ice in 2006, won't be a problem in 2010, ultimate shutdown defenseman will be rounding into his prime right around 2010.)
7. Eric Brewer (People complained about his inclusion in 2002, and 2004, yet Canada won 4 tournaments in a row with him on the team, and hasn't won one without him, he can score, he can shutdown, very versatile)
8. Wade Redden (I think this guy is awful, has never won any big games, never been a part of any big championships, has never elavated his game, hope he gets left off)
9. Chris Pronger (Will probably be too old, or not even playing, but it doesn't hurt to have some wiley vets on the team, I really think the 2006 team missed that)
10. Brian Campbell (Don't get to watch him enough to know what he's capable of, I'll leave that up to an Eastern Conferencer)
10. Brian McCabe (He has a good shot from the point, thats about it, was a mistake in 2006, shouldn't be there in 2010.)

Potential Forwards (at the moment):
1. Sidney Crosby (Do I need to explain?)
2. Martin St. Louis (in my opinion the best forward in 2006, couldn't finish but played his heart out which is more than you can say about the rest, is rounding back into form this season)
3. Brad Richards (struggled this season, is capable of being on of the best centers in the league, played huge in the playoffs getting record for most GWG, elevates his game)
4. Vincent Lecavelier (Could this finally be the season where he becomes the Micheal Jordan of hockey? Played some big games in the playoffs, and was the MVP for the World Cup)
5. Rick Nash (Hasn't played great this season, but the guy can score goals, I hope he returns to the form of Rocket Richard winner)
6. Brendan Morrow (Is a leader for his team, can score goals, can make hits, plays good defensive hockey)
7. Eric Staal (Leads the league in playoff points as a young guy, scores big goals and has a great shot)
8. Jarome Iginla (Could be slowing down by that time, but is a great leader on and off the ice, big problem is that he needs a lot of minutes that he might not get on a stacked team)
9. Dany Heatley (Somewhat of an enigma to me, didn't play well at all in the Olympics, but I've seen him take games over in the World Championships and dominate, hard to put him on the team if you don't know what Heatley you'll get)
10. Daniel Briere (Should have been on the 2010 if not for injuries, very crafty skillful player, I've thought he's great ever since he played on a line with Heatley and Morrow at the WC)
11. Joe Thornton (Well, I guess he gets on the team on name alone, he sees the ice very well, but tends to disapear when the going gets tough, and he's had lots of opportunities to show otherwise, but only has once in the World Cup)
12. Patrice Bergeron (One of my favorite players, elevates his game, needs some playoff experience, but definetly has good skillset and hockey canada seems to love him
13. Jason Spezza (Sees the ice well just like Thornton, isn't great defensively, thats an understatement, but is very, very skilled)
14. Patrick Marleau (Same as Thornton, seems to be good, never does anything great with it, made the team in 2004, but didn't even practice well enough to get ice time, never has been good in the WC either, don't think he should make the team)
15. Simon Gagne (Great player offensively and defensively, give him a roll and watch him play it well)
16. Mike Richards (Hockey Canada loves him, will be fighting for a grinder roll on team Canada, leadership qualities, needs a lot more experience, but is a proven winner)
17. Paul Kariya (Maybe should have been on the 2006 team, is quitely doing very well in the Music city, it'd be nice to have some winning experience there from a guy who played on a line with Mario, age is becoming a concern by 2010)
18. Jonathon Cheechoo (Can't tell if I like this guy or not, I'm thinking I'd get 30 goals just by default if I played with Thornton, I think he's an above average player made to look like an amazing player because of Thornton, wouldn't want him on my team Canada)
19. Joe Sakic (Can he still be Joe Sakic in another 3 and some years? Does it matter? Canada lacked guys like Yzerman and Lemieux in 2006, gotta think that veteran experience will be invaluable in 2010, by then Sakic could be a living legend)
20. Mike Fisher (I like him, he's talked about a lot, but he's just not Team Canada quality, I would prefer Mike Richards or Brendan Morrow, they seem to offer more.)
21. Ryan Smyth (Captain Canada, has more international experience than any Canadian player right now, has been around a long time and plays a game that not many players are willing to play, impossible to leave him off the team.)

Luongo
Fluery
Broduer

Phaneuf-Weber
Regher-Bouwmeester
Brewer-Seabrook
Neidermeyer

Nash-Crosby-St. Louis
Richards-Lecavelier-Staal
Iginla-Morrow-Gange
Bergeron-Briere-Smyth
Spezza

Alright, so there it is, I've highlighted the team I would like to see. Critique away.

 

[MLSE]

Not one guy not in the NHL right now?

 

[therealdeal]

Not one guy not in the NHL right now?

No way in hell, that might be okay for other countries, but Canada is waaay to deep for that, look at the guys you're gonna leave off for someone whose doing good in Major Junior or College?

 

[lakai17]

Alright, so there it is, I've highlighted the team I would like to see. Critique away.[/QUOTE]

Fisrt Thing...I'm Not even a Sens Fan.

Everthing makes sense except for Wade Redden and Dany Heatley not on there...
although Weber would be an exception if Redden was not on the team.

Oh Yeah, Really Liking how you put no McCabe on there...cause he is not Team Canada material.

 

[Superfluous U]

No whole roster, but I think it's hilarious that people have Scott Niedermayer as a lock and then say things like "if Pronger is still playing" or "Pronger, if he's not too old". Just because he's been dominate since he was 23 doesn't make him an old man. He's a year younger than Niedermayer, and personally I think his game will age better. Pronger will be there. As a point of reference, in 2010 he'll be a year younger than Blake was in 2006.

 

[Took a pill in Sbisa]

I'm surprised about the lack of Ryan Smyth in this thread,

Last season was his second highest goal season of his career, and he's on pace for over 35 this year.

 

[Spetzky]

Luongo
Fluery
Broduer

Phaneuf-Weber
Regher-Bouwmeester
Brewer-Seabrook
Neidermeyer

Nash-Crosby-St. Louis
Richards-Lecavelier-Staal
Iginla-Morrow-Gange
Bergeron-Briere-Smyth
Spezza

Alright, so there it is, I've highlighted the team I would like to see. Critique away.

Doesn't look good at all, Firstly Lecavalier over Thornton is an oversight, St. Louis is couldn't finish in the Olympics last time around and he'd probably weaken with age, Patrice Bergeron and Daniel Briere over Spezza? No bona-fide shut down player on defence or forward.

2/3 goalie names are spelt wrong, 2/7 defence names are spelt worng, and 2/13 forward names are spelt wrong.


Heatley - Spezza - Crosby
Crosby thrived at wing in the 2005WJC and he'll thrive at wing in the Olympics, Spezza is centering the line because of his very good speed (now), his excellent playmaking ability, and his face off ability, Heatley the trigger man.

Nash - Thornton - Iginla
Nash, Thornton, and Iginla are todays "phyiscal-forwards". Joe being a big strong playmaking center will compliment Iginla's ability to make space and score and Nash's to cause havoc in the crease/slot.

M. Richards - Staal - Fisher
2 suprise players that make the team Mike Richards who by this time should be the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Flyers would be counted on for his very effective two-way game as would Fisher who is a all-out player who can score in any situation and stop offence in the defensive zone. Eric Staal is strong, fast, and responsible defensivly. A true 2-way line.

Bernier - Marleau - Horton
Another physical forward line that is defensively responsible and can score big goals.

Lecavalier-
Physical center who can do almost everything and do it well.


Regehr - Bouwmeester
A hitter and a smooth skating defenseman, who can both change the flow of a game with one play.

Phaneuf - Phillips
Phaneuf by this time should have polished his defensive abilities coupled with his offensive ability and his hitting ability make him a force on the ice with the always steady and reliable Chris Phillips to back him when problems arise.

Redden - McLaren
Redden, a smart positional defenseman who prove this year he is willing to block shots and when healthy is a asset because of his first pass. Tough physical defenseman who is also reliable in his own zone.

Seabrook- a offensive defenseman who still mucks around.


M.A Fleury - A goalie with great technical skill and natural skill who has improved his rebound control coming into this season.

Ray Emery - Even though he gets burned on too many two-on-ones, Emery is a fighter and if the team need to go offensive because they're behind a goal Emery will man the net like the son of God.

J.S Giguere - Butterfly goalie can take up the whole net has yet to replicate his Conn Smythe winning playoff in 2003, is still a sound goalie who has shown this season that he can stay focussed when taking fewer shots.

 

[Canuck21t]

Forwards
Sidney Crosby
Joe Thornton
Eric Staal
Jason Spezza
Dany Heatley
Rick Nash
Patrice Bergeron
Brad Richards
Patrick Marleau
Vincent Lecavalier
Brendan Morrow
Jarome Iginla
Simon Gagne
Mike Fisher
Mike Richards

Defense
Chris Pronger
Scott Niedermayer
Wade Redden
Dion Phaneuf
Jay Bouwmeester
Robyn Regehr
Dan Hamhuis
Brent Seabrook

Goalies
Roberto Luongo
Cam Ward
Marc-Andre Fleury

We want the 2010 team, not the 2007 team.

 

[therealdeal]

Doesn't look good at all, Firstly Lecavalier over Thornton is an oversight, St. Louis is couldn't finish in the Olympics last time around and he'd probably weaken with age, Patrice Bergeron and Daniel Briere over Spezza? No bona-fide shut down player on defence or forward.

2/3 goalie names are spelt wrong, 2/7 defence names are spelt worng, and 2/13 forward names are spelt wrong.


Heatley - Spezza - Crosby
Crosby thrived at wing in the 2005WJC and he'll thrive at wing in the Olympics, Spezza is centering the line because of his very good speed (now), his excellent playmaking ability, and his face off ability, Heatley the trigger man.

Nash - Thornton - Iginla
Nash, Thornton, and Iginla are todays "phyiscal-forwards". Joe being a big strong playmaking center will compliment Iginla's ability to make space and score and Nash's to cause havoc in the crease/slot.

M. Richards - Staal - Fisher
2 suprise players that make the team Mike Richards who by this time should be the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Flyers would be counted on for his very effective two-way game as would Fisher who is a all-out player who can score in any situation and stop offence in the defensive zone. Eric Staal is strong, fast, and responsible defensivly. A true 2-way line.

Bernier - Marleau - Horton
Another physical forward line that is defensively responsible and can score big goals.

Lecavalier-
Physical center who can do almost everything and do it well.


Regehr - Bouwmeester
A hitter and a smooth skating defenseman, who can both change the flow of a game with one play.

Phaneuf - Phillips
Phaneuf by this time should have polished his defensive abilities coupled with his offensive ability and his hitting ability make him a force on the ice with the always steady and reliable Chris Phillips to back him when problems arise.

Redden - McLaren
Redden, a smart positional defenseman who prove this year he is willing to block shots and when healthy is a asset because of his first pass. Tough physical defenseman who is also reliable in his own zone.

Seabrook- a offensive defenseman who still mucks around.


M.A Fleury - A goalie with great technical skill and natural skill who has improved his rebound control coming into this season.

Ray Emery - Even though he gets burned on too many two-on-ones, Emery is a fighter and if the team need to go offensive because they're behind a goal Emery will man the net like the son of God.

J.S Giguere - Butterfly goalie can take up the whole net has yet to replicate his Conn Smythe winning playoff in 2003, is still a sound goalie who has shown this season that he can stay focussed when taking fewer shots.

That team makes me cringe, luckily the 2010 will be no where near that piece of **** team you selected. Lecavalier over Thornton? You bet your ***. Lecavalier, Cup Win, World Cup MVP. Thornton, playoff no show, Olympic no show. He's running out of chances.

Next: Redden, McLaren, Phillips? Redden has choked on every occasion on the international stage, McLaren is already on the downhill portion of his career (and he was never a top 7 in all of Canada anyway), and Phillips? He's a number 3 on Ottawa, which is defensively destitute. Not a chance.

 

[WILDTATE10]

WOW is all I can say.

Pierre Marc Bouchard = Most underrated player in the league.

Some of the peole that you guys have on the team over him WOW.