Might have created this a bit early, but cannot wait for this tourney. On paper, this might be the closest WJC we have ever seen. Seriously, not one nation is the favourites to win the Gold IMO.
Canada: Probably the strongest defensively, but personally speaking, I do not see how they will win Gold with that goaltending duo. Also, I do not think it is logical for anybody to say that McDavid is going to dominate coming off not playing a single game in three weeks going to a very competitive tournament. Should challenge for a medal though.
Czech: This has to be one of the their best teams in a very long time. Depth could be a wildcard, but they can go toe to toe with anybody else in the tourney with their top 6. Surprising that Zbořil did NOT make the team, but should medal this year.
Denmark: Another country which could see their strongest team, perhaps ever. Defense and goaltending will be a problem, but offensively, Ehlers and Bjorkstrand could be one of the best one, two punches out of any nation. Then surround it with the likes of Aagaard Hansen, M. Eller, True, K. Jensen, and Kristiansen. That is an underrated top 9. Probably will be fighting for relegation, but don't be surprised if they're able to win against one of the powerhouse countries.
Finland: Lost a lot of major pieces which won them Gold last season, but they EASILY have the best goaltender from any nation and we know that can take you far. Going to be a young team with Puljujärvi, Rantanen, Aho, Hintz, and Saarela all having a chance to make the club and even having big roles. A lot of no names on defense, but that means Finland will work twice as hard because of it. I see Suomi a lot like last year with Teräväinen, Ristolainen, and Saros leading the way. This year it will be Kapanen and Saros, which are very capable themselves, missing Rasmus is huge. I don't think they will medal, but will be a major threat next year.
Germany: Don't know what the deal is going on with Draisaitl, definitely should be going to this tourney, but it's the Oilers... I actually think the Germans have an underrated team. Reich is capable to provide support, decent defensive depth, and Eisenschmid and Kahun are talented players that have played against the best in the CHL. Some underrated players to watch for in Trinkberger, Moeser (who is playing DI hockey), Eder, Kammerer, Pfohl, Strum, F. Tiffels (having a great season in DI), Tuomie, and Wiederer. This is a pretty good team, but still doesn't have the quality to put a dent into anyone. Will probably be fighting for relegation, but the depth has been getting better.
Russia: Do not know who the starter is going to be, but Shestyorkin is one goalkeeper to watch out for. He was insane against Canada in the Subway Super Series. To be honest, they are the team I know the least about when it comes to darkhorse or unknown players. But I do know they will always challenge for the Gold. This team though, doesn't seem as strong as the ones 2-3 years before.
Slovakia: Probably the worst team in terms of talent from anyone here, but that means, like Finland, they will work their ***** off more than anyone else. Reway though, could be a deciding factor for not only the Slovaks, but the whole tournament. Do not be surprised if he leads the WJC in points, could be this years Teräväinen. Besides that, this team probably won't get far.
Sweden: Going to be a great team from all angles, solid top 6 both offensively and defensively. Doesn't have the greatest talent level, but their depth could challenge Canada at any match. Will be a scoring threat from all four lines while giving you little to zero opportunities offensively to opposing teams.
Suisse: As I've been saying all post long, this is probably the best team Switzerland has ever had. Yes it doesn't have a pure talent like Niederreiter or a top 2 defenseman like Mueller, but the depth this team will have is off the charts. Fiala, Fuchs, Malgin (one of the most underrated players for 2015 draft), Meier, Rod, Schmidli, Schweri, Suter, and Weiser will all create havoc for any countries defense. Then on the back end, they have Baltisberger, Buesser, Fora, Rathgeb, and Siegenthaler. All are not "amazing", but definitely solid enough to challenge every game. Descloux should be their starting goaler and he is posting ridiculously good numbers against men in both NLA and NLB. Do NOT be surprised if this team finds themselves in a medal position. Also look out for Nico Hischier for any future WJC (2017 NHL draft), some experts are saying he is as good as or even better than Niederreiter.
USA: Definitely will be better this year than last year, but I wonder if such inexperience will have some effect on this team. Let's get to that later, in goal, Canada cries for seeing Americans depth in Halverson (who could make himself a house hold name in this tourney, if given a chance), Demko, and Nedeljkovic - all three would be starting goalers on any team except Finland. Forwards will be lead by Eichel and I expect him to have a big tourney based on how good he was last year. Additionally to him, you have Fasching, Erne, Milano, Matthews, and Larkins on offense - all of them have a talent level to score and they will score alot. Defensively though, the talent is there with DeAngelo, Werenski, Hanifin, Butcher, and Santini if he's able to play. But will a lack of experience hurt them when the game is 2-2 in OT? It will be interesting to see, but this team is too good not to medal.
