Favourites for WJC 2007

[Canada_87]

With the 2006 tournament finished, who are the early favorites for next year in Sweden? Russia doesn't look as strong as this year, but Canada and the U.S look to have a bunch of returning players. Discuss rosters, players to watch for, etc..

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[octopi]

With the 2006 tournament finished, who are the early favorites for next year in Sweden? Russia doesn't look as strong as this year, but Canada and the U.S look to have a bunch of returning players. Discuss rosters, players to watch for, etc..

I think they said Canada could have something like 11 returning players. With the win this year, I'd think you'd have to consider them next years favorites.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I would think the U.S. would be a contender, as we'll also have 11 returning players (potentially):

Frazee
Chorney
Jack Johnson
Erik Johnson
Lee
Mitera
Kessel
Ryan
Gerbe
Skille
Mueller

That would leave room for one more goaltender, two or three defensemen, and seven or eight forwards. Kind of tough to fill in the blanks at this point.

 

[Westcoasthabsfan]

The Canadians will have some younger guys ready to make the jump like Anthony Esposito and John Tavares.... They will be just fine next year

 

[An Ape called Yoko]

U18 WC 2005 - players born 87:

1. USA
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. Chechz
5. Russia
6. Slovakia
7. Finland

U18 WC is always a good indicator, although Canada of course didnt have their best team. As i remember it the chechz looked really good.. but lost to Sweden in the bronze a bit surprisingly(well not to me ).

 

[Telecaster]

1. Canada
2. USA
3. Sweden
4. Russia
5. Finland
6. Czech

 

[time]

U18 WC 2005 - players born 87:

1. USA
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. Chechz
5. Russia
6. Slovakia
7. Finland

U18 WC is always a good indicator, although Canada of course didnt have their best team. As i remember it the chechz looked really good.. but lost to Sweden in the bronze a bit surprisingly(well not to me ).

That tournament is really skewed towards the Yanks and their Ann Arbor program. Tough for all-star teams to compete against a club team.

Anytime Canada makes the gold medal game, you know they have a very talented year (e.g. Canada got silver last year without: Pouliot, Crosby, Brule, Staal and others).

 

[GKJ]

I would think the U.S. would be a contender, as we'll also have 11 returning players (potentially):

Frazee
Chorney
Jack Johnson
Erik Johnson
Lee
Mitera
Kessel
Ryan
Gerbe
Skille
Mueller

That would leave room for one more goaltender, two or three defensemen, and seven or eight forwards. Kind of tough to fill in the blanks at this point.

I would count on both Johnson's and Kessel being out of the picture

 

[Noutaja]

Finland will take bronze and final will be between Canada and Russia. That´s all folks .

 

[Joe MacMillan]

Rask will be there so we'll get a medal.

 

[Den]

For my part, I have absolutely no idea who we are bringing. One spot is booked though: Varlamov will be in the net.

 

[jcorb58]

Canada will stomp a mud hole in everyones as*

cause Stone Cold said so

 

[HFNHL Canadiens]

I would count on both Johnson's and Kessel being out of the picture

Also count out Ryan,with the year he is having he will probably be in the NHL next year

 

[HabLover]

With the 2006 tournament finished, who are the early favorites for next year in Sweden? Russia doesn't look as strong as this year, but Canada and the U.S look to have a bunch of returning players. Discuss rosters, players to watch for, etc..

Canada will be the favourite, no one else! End of story!

 

[HabLover]

Also count out Ryan,with the year he is having he will probably be in the NHL next year

Well, he didn't look good at the WJC's so he better pick it up. His skating was not very good. I don't think the big ice would help him next year at the WJC's.

 

[Misos Milakos*]

I think next years Canada team could very well be better than this past years team with many returnining players. Then guys like Jordan Staal, Little, Sheppard, Esposito, etc, could all add nicely to the offence.

 

[sonnytheman]

I think next years Canada team could very well be better than this past years team with many returnining players. Then guys like Jordan Staal, Little, Sheppard, Esposito, etc, could all add nicely to the offence.

I think the offence will definitely be better next year. The 6 forwards who won't be back next year are:

Chipchura
Boyd
Pouliot
Blunden
Bolland
Comeau

They'll likely be replaced by guys like:

Setoguchi
Brassard
Staal
Little
Esposito

all of whom have awesome offensive upside. As for the defence, 5 of the 7 can come back, but both Staal and Bourdon can be in the NHL. If they make it, are there any good D-men coming up to replace them?

 

[VOB]

Canada and the U.S. will be co-favorites with the definitive edge going to Canada. My sleeper is Sweden though.

 

[Kugel]

oh man i cant wait already. lol i leave for this tounry. i hope tavares makes it

 

[Metallian*]

Canada without a doubt.

 

[RUSqueelin*]

well with Canada having up to 12 players back, the media will undoubtable build Canada as the hands on favorite, and rightfully so.

Best line I've ever heard from Blair McKassey - Hockey Canada scout. "Canada doesn't rebuild, we reload"

Canada will be the favorite to win gold from ever tourney now until the end of time. (lucky the media played us as underdogs this year - helped them)

 

[Macman]

well with Canada having up to 12 players back, the media will undoubtable build Canada as the hands on favorite, and rightfully so.

Yeah, but what are the chances that Staal, Bourdon and Barker will be back? Pretty slim, I think, turning a rock-solid defence into a big question.

 

[RUSqueelin*]

Yeah, but what are the chances that Staal, Bourdon and Barker will be back? Pretty slim, I think, turning a rock-solid defence into a big question.

Barker won't be back because he's over age. Perhaps one of Staal and Bourdon will be back (most likely Bourdon) but it doesn't really matter. Canada will "reload" there is more talent in the pipeline. (example, I bet you last year at this time, when Canada assemble the best team ever, you had never even heard of Marc Staal, Bourdon etc) Not to worry my good friend. Canada breads hockey players.

 

[Clownpipe*]

Canada without a doubt.

.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Barker won't be back because he's over age. Perhaps one of Staal and Bourdon will be back (most likely Bourdon) but it doesn't really matter. Canada will "reload" there is more talent in the pipeline. (example, I bet you last year at this time, when Canada assemble the best team ever, you had never even heard of Marc Staal, Bourdon etc) Not to worry my good friend. Canada breads hockey players.

If they lose both Barker and Staal that means that Pot Luck will have to play top 4 minutes. Woe be to the team that has to experiance that...