WJC: Roster Talk '13 — Canada 2.0

[Nash]

I keep seeing people wanting to build our team based on Russia or USA's size. I really don't see an issue with anyone in the camp.

Other than Murphy, the D are all six foot or more. Dumba is actually the second smallest D. Other than those two, the rest are 190-210 pounds. Our D will have pretty decent size and strength no matter who we take. I do agree with Bobby M that Hamilton, Rielly, Harrington and Oulette are probably the top four. Reinhart seems to be his pick for the third pairing left D and Murphy is pencilled in as the PP specialist. If that's the case, Dumba, Sproul and Corrado are the remaining right defenseman battling for that final spot. From what I've read, all the others are left side defenseman and would have to outplay Reinhart for his spot.

Up front, there aren't any truly small players either. There are a few 5'11" guys, but most are 6' to 6'2". The biggest guys likely to make the team are Richie, Wilson and Jenner. 6'4" 218, 6'4" 210 and 6'2" 205. I'd be happy if those three are the only true big body guys we bring. McNeill and Graovac are the only other 200+ guys anyways. With good size on D and our centers all likely being over six feet, I don't see a need to worry on being outmuscled in our own end. Personally, I would like to see an emphasis on speed and skill up front on the top three lines, especially on the big ice.
Huberdeau, RNH, Scheifile, Strome, Rattie, Jenner, Dannault, Hudon, Wilson, Richie, MacKinnon and Monahan are the most likely top 12. I'd like to see Drouin in as at least the 13th forward. However, if he doesn't impress in camp I can see Hockey Canada leaning towards a different skillet in that 13th slot...energy/PK/hitter maybe? We have plenty of skill up front, so this spot is flexible.

 

[Royal Canuck]

Here's my FWD lines if I'm the head coach:

Huberdeau - RNH - Scheifele
Drouin - Strome - Mackinnon
Danault - Jenner - Rattie
Ritchie - McNeill - Wilson

Grabovac
Hudon
Monahan

 

[JetsHomer]

My point is that you can tear up the WHL, but if you fail to impress in games of high value, it hurts your chances.

Stats would say he deserves a spot over Ty Rattie. The Summer Series said otherwise

Games in August with team mates you've never played are high value?. Not really

 

[leafsfuture]

I keep seeing people wanting to build our team based on Russia or USA's size. I really don't see an issue with anyone in the camp.

Other than Murphy, the D are all six foot or more. Dumba is actually the second smallest D. Other than those two, the rest are 190-210 pounds. Our D will have pretty decent size and strength no matter who we take. I do agree with Bobby M that Hamilton, Rielly, Harrington and Oulette are probably the top four. Reinhart seems to be his pick for the third pairing left D and Murphy is pencilled in as the PP specialist. If that's the case, Dumba, Sproul and Corrado are the remaining right defenseman battling for that final spot. From what I've read, all the others are left side defenseman and would have to outplay Reinhart for his spot.

Up front, there aren't any truly small players either. There are a few 5'11" guys, but most are 6' to 6'2". The biggest guys likely to make the team are Richie, Wilson and Jenner. 6'4" 218, 6'4" 210 and 6'2" 205. I'd be happy if those three are the only true big body guys we bring. McNeill and Graovac are the only other 200+ guys anyways. With good size on D and our centers all likely being over six feet, I don't see a need to worry on being outmuscled in our own end. Personally, I would like to see an emphasis on speed and skill up front on the top three lines, especially on the big ice.
Huberdeau, RNH, Scheifile, Strome, Rattie, Jenner, Dannault, Hudon, Wilson, Richie, MacKinnon and Monahan are the most likely top 12. I'd like to see Drouin in as at least the 13th forward. However, if he doesn't impress in camp I can see Hockey Canada leaning towards a different skillet in that 13th slot...energy/PK/hitter maybe? We have plenty of skill up front, so this spot is flexible.

The issue with having a pure offence 13th forward is that if a guy in the bottom 6 goes down to injury (DSP) or suspension (Kassian) then its hard to plug that guy in without altering lines.

If Drouin is going to make this team he has to do 2 things:
1. Work well with his linemates. This means avoiding neutral ice toe drags, and doing a lot of cycling and off course using his vision to set up guys. This is very possible if he doesnt let the situation get to his head

2. More importantly, he cannot be a liability without the puck. By this I mean that positioning in the D and neutral zone is key

 

[luki here]

Lot of good players on Team Canada's camp roster, here are some quick thoughts:

-Malcolm Subban is a no-brainer. Binnington/Brossoit as the other guys

-D is kind of tough, but you probably go with Rielly/Hamilton/Murphy/Harrington/Dumba/Reinhart. Don't like leaving Pouliot off, but there's enough offense here

As for forwards, obviously Nuge would be awesome, but if he isn't available:

Huberdeau/Strome/Jenner/McNeill/Rattie/Scheifele/MacKinnon/Drouin/Ritchie/Danault/Hudon/Wilson

Nuge could take Danault off of that roster, but honestly I will be disappointed if any of Drouin/MacKinnon/Hudon are left off.

Love Monahan, but I don't see room here.

As a lineup (with Nuge)

Huberdeau-RNH-Scheifele
Drouin-MacKinnon-Strome
Hudon-Jenner-Rattie
Ritchie-McNeill-Wilson

Rielly-Hamilton
Murphy-Harrington
Dumba-Reinhart

Subban
Binnington
Brossoit

This one is without Nuge:

Huberdeau-Scheifele-Strome
Drouin-MacKinnon-Rattie
Hudon-Jenner-Ritchie
Danault-McNeill-Wilson

Rielly-Hamilton
Murphy-Harrington
Dumba-Reinhart

Subban
Binnington
Brossoit

I dont think strome is moved from the pivot and i assume he will be paired with ritchie. HC will try to use their chemistry and extraordinary form.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Have you guys seen Camaras beard? Hahaha. But he can actually be a good fourth-liner or 13. Fast, big, physical and decent skills. Camara and Wilson will battle for same spot.

 

[Terrence]

Huberdeau - RNH - Schiefele
Rattie - Strome - MacKinnon
Hudon - Danault - Graovac
Wilson - Jenner - Ritchie
Monahan

HM: McNeill, Drouin

Harrington - Hamilton
Rielly - Reinhart
Ouellet - Dumba
Murphy

HM: Sproul

Subban
Brossoit

Thoughts on FW:

I think Drouin should be on the team, I just don't think Hockey Canada is gonna pick him. They love their 18 and 19 year olds. I like McNeill, I just think the other centres are better. If RNH doesn't end up playing for TC, I think he'll be the next in line. I chose Monahan as the 13th forward because I think he can sub in adequately in both a top 6 and bottom 6 role if someone gets injured. If, this tournament was in NA, that 4th line would be a wrecking crew out there. However I still think they can get it done on big ice.

Thoughts on D:

I think Murphy's skating ability and Spott get him on the team over Sproul. However, I would limit his ES minutes. I like the Hamilton/Harrington pairing, they'll log a ton of key minutes out there. I think Rielly and Reinhart can compliment each other well on the 2nd pairing.

 

[RipCityPuckers]

Here's my FWD lines if I'm the head coach:
Drouin - Strome - Mackinnon

I posted this combination in my lines post as well

I really like the look of this line - I really think they could do some damage together

 

[QuebecPride]

He gets a lot of help from MacKinnon. He isn't as good as his stats say. He will probably be a top-10 pick, but there are a few better players than him (like Barkov, for example)

Have you ever seen him play to say such insanity?

They both benefit from playing with each other. When Drouin went down with an injury, Mackinnon's point production slowed down.

Mackinnon in game1 of the SSS had a rough game, Drouin gets in the second, and both grab a multiple-point game.

There's no doubt Mackinnon is closer to the NHL than Drouin, he's physically ready and his skating is beyond anyone else in the 2013 draft. That being said, Drouin is no slouch either.

He has the best PPG ratio in the CHL.

Reminds me a lot of the Yakupov/Galchenyuk situation.

 

[darmitage]

I am a little concerned if the greedy NHL ends the lock out will the NHL go and yank all the players who are playing on NHL teams and all draft picks? this is a big joke!

 

[1Gold Standard]

I am a little concerned if the greedy NHL ends the lock out will the NHL go and yank all the players who are playing on NHL teams and all draft picks? this is a big joke!

There are 11 Canadian players that are on the NHL-CHL recall list should the lockout end... If all 11 get recalled to NHL camp...obviously it will have a huge impact.

 

[Macman]

There are 11 Canadian players that are on the NHL-CHL recall list should the lockout end... If all 11 get recalled to NHL camp...obviously it will have a huge impact.

Yup. It's looking like the rug is going to be pulled out from under HC at the last minute. It's not fair.

 

[1Gold Standard]

Yup. It's looking like the rug is going to be pulled out from under HC at the last minute. It's not fair.

Actually, I don't think it is a doomsday scenario... There are 11 players on the NHL-CHL recall list, but I don't think all 11 will be recalled on a makeshift shortened NHL training camp... I think realistically we are looking at losing only 5 players if the NHL lockout ends, RNH, Scheiflle, Huberdeau, Strome, Hamilton. The rest I think will be left in junior but could get some playing time in the NHL on a recall basis after the tournament. I think the agreement with the NHL-CHL covers that sort of scenario, but I'm not 100% sure of it... maybe somebody else can confirm ya or nay. So, if you take a look at a potential roster minus the 5 of the 11, it's not that bad... they'll be hard pressed to get a gold medal and will have to be a real scrappy no nonsense bunch of ham and eggers to come away with a medal... but Canadians would get behind and support that underdog type of team. They would have to take a little flash and the two 17 year old players will have to run and gun, while the rest of the roster will have to be real character guys...

 

[Shrimper]

I don't see why the NHL teams wouldn't let the players play in the WJC even if a deal is done before. It'll be better for them if you ask me.

What's the list of 11 anyway?

 

[1Gold Standard]

I don't see why the NHL teams wouldn't let the players play in the WJC even if a deal is done before. It'll be better for them if you ask me.

What's the list of 11 anyway?

other than the 5 I mentioned. I believe also on the list is JENNER, RATTIE, RIELLY, HARRINGTON, MURPHY, REINHART.

This is just my guess, other than Rielly who is 100% on the list, the others I'm just guessing.

 

[TML1967]

So taking away people that are almost locks to make their NHL clubs.. Whats Canada's new lineup look like?

 

[markrander87]

If MacKinnon or Drouin do not make this team there will be a riot in Halifax. Although they'd be back playing for the mooseheads it would be an absolute travesty. For someone who covers hockey for his living Bob Mackenzie couldn't be more wrong having Hudon over MacKinnon in his projected top six

 

[darmitage]

I don't see why the NHL teams wouldn't let the players play in the WJC even if a deal is done before. It'll be better for them if you ask me.

What's the list of 11 anyway?

this is CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!why can,t all players even with NHL teams come and play for there country if they are eligible?

this is where soccer in Europe has it over Hockey, no soccer team in Europe would tell the players that they can,t play for there country it an honour!

 

[Worraps]

I don't see why the NHL teams wouldn't let the players play in the WJC even if a deal is done before. It'll be better for them if you ask me.

What's the list of 11 anyway?

RNH is the Oilers first line centre; Yakupov will be playing in the Oilers top 6; and Huberdeau will be playing in the Panther's top 6.

Do you care to explain to those club's season ticket holders why some of their best players aren't in the line up coming out of a 3-month lockout?

Not having these players available during an NHL season is normal. It makes no sense to make a stink about it now.

I agree that players who don't have a reasonable expectation of making their NHL club should stay with their WJ teams regardless of their status on the list.

 

[Macman]

Actually, I don't think it is a doomsday scenario... There are 11 players on the NHL-CHL recall list, but I don't think all 11 will be recalled on a makeshift shortened NHL training camp... I think realistically we are looking at losing only 5 players if the NHL lockout ends, RNH, Scheiflle, Huberdeau, Strome, Hamilton. The rest I think will be left in junior but could get some playing time in the NHL on a recall basis after the tournament. I think the agreement with the NHL-CHL covers that sort of scenario, but I'm not 100% sure of it... maybe somebody else can confirm ya or nay. So, if you take a look at a potential roster minus the 5 of the 11, it's not that bad... they'll be hard pressed to get a gold medal and will have to be a real scrappy no nonsense bunch of ham and eggers to come away with a medal... but Canadians would get behind and support that underdog type of team. They would have to take a little flash and the two 17 year old players will have to run and gun, while the rest of the roster will have to be real character guys...

That's still a huge hit, and I suspect Jenner will be in Columbus as well. I'm hoping the Islanders let Strome play, but I can't see that either. We could conceivably be going to Ufa with MacKinnon as the No. 1 centre and as good as he is, it's not good enough.

 

[1Gold Standard]

That's still a huge hit, and I suspect Jenner will be in Columbus as well. I'm hoping the Islanders let Strome play, but I can't see that either. We could conceivably be going to Ufa with MacKinnon as the No. 1 centre and as good as he is, it's not good enough.

If all 11 are subtracted, then ya...it will be tough to overcome that...I do firmly believe however we'll only get dinged with the 5 players + Murray injury for a total of 6. 6-8 is where we seem to be every year. We'll wait and see how the story unfolds over the next couple of days! fingers crossed.

 

[Destroyer100]

Just hope that plane takes of to UFA before the lockout ends . Personally for goalies id take Subban, Binnington and Paterson as the 3rd goalie. Paterson plays on Saginaw who have a crappy defence and he still has good stats so if Canadas defence falls apart he is used to playing with no defence. I think he would be a good 3rd goalie. On defence id take Dougie Hamilton, Harrington, Rielly, Murphy, Dumba(i like those huge hits), Reinhart and 7th d-man is Sproul.

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Actually, I don't think it is a doomsday scenario... There are 11 players on the NHL-CHL recall list, but I don't think all 11 will be recalled on a makeshift shortened NHL training camp... I think realistically we are looking at losing only 5 players if the NHL lockout ends, RNH, Scheiflle, Huberdeau, Strome, Hamilton. The rest I think will be left in junior but could get some playing time in the NHL on a recall basis after the tournament. I think the agreement with the NHL-CHL covers that sort of scenario, but I'm not 100% sure of it... maybe somebody else can confirm ya or nay. So, if you take a look at a potential roster minus the 5 of the 11, it's not that bad... they'll be hard pressed to get a gold medal and will have to be a real scrappy no nonsense bunch of ham and eggers to come away with a medal... but Canadians would get behind and support that underdog type of team. They would have to take a little flash and the two 17 year old players will have to run and gun, while the rest of the roster will have to be real character guys...

I would think Danault and McNeill are the two players on Chicago's list - with that said, neither has any legit shot of making the team this year, so probably wouldn't be pulled from the tournament.

 

[IHaveNoCreativity]

Mikael Granlund is too old for this tournament.. Someone brought him up...

Jo is almost as good as Nate... Maybe better..

If you take one you have to take the other... Enough with cutting 17 year olds..

 

[irunthepeg]

If all 11 are subtracted, then ya...it will be tough to overcome that...I do firmly believe however we'll only get dinged with the 5 players + Murray injury for a total of 6. 6-8 is where we seem to be every year. We'll wait and see how the story unfolds over the next couple of days! fingers crossed.

I actually want the fully loaded Team Canada more than I want the NHL back at this point. I hope the NHL waits until January at earliest for a resolution. I am gonna be pissed if in the next couple days the lockout is over... because then it's like why didn't you guys just do this back in September. You've wasted all the time up until now and just when some of us finally get something to look forward to, it basically gets taken away.

If the lockout does end, I hope everybody (minus maybe RNH, who would for sure belong back in the NHL) gets left for the WJC instead of training camp/games and I hope they just let teams keep them for 9 games once back.