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.
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.