By JD Lagrange – The NHL is apparently still debating having a World Cup in 2025 and while many details have to be worked out, it seems like it’s gaining momentum. It’s been a while since we’ve seen best on best at the professional level it seems, although we don’t know yet which countries will be participating, particularly with how volatile things are in Russia.
Canada will have its work cut out as teams like Sweden and particularly the USA will have formidable teams. Whomever manages and coaches Team Canada will likely have a surplus of centers to pick from. You can bet some money that some of them will have to make the transition to wing if they want to play in the event.
Here’s a look at some of the names of players who could receive an invitation:
Centers
As mentioned, Canada isn’t lacking in both quality and quantity when it comes to the center position. In fact, some of those centers are very likely to make the team ahead of some wingers. For a coaching staff, it’s not a bad problem to have when having two centers on the ice for faceoffs on every line!
| NAME | FACEOFFS % |
|---|---|
| N. MacKinnon | 49.3% |
| C. McDavid | 49.6% |
| S. Reinhart | 46.6% |
| B. Point | 44.8% |
| R. Thomas | 54.1% |
| M. Scheifele | 50.4% |
| S. Crosby | 60.6% |
| M. Barzal | 33.3% |
| C. Bedard | 41.6% |
| B. Horvat | 48.7% |
| R. Nugent-Hopkins | 44.2% |
| N. Suzuki | 55.9% |
| J. Tavares | 61.1% |
| R. O’Reilly | 52.5% |
| M. Duchene | 55.3% |
| C. Giroux | 58.3% |
Speaking of faceoffs, the top points’ producers aren’t the best at taking draws. That’s where guys like Suzuki, Tavares, Duchene and Giroux have a shot at making it ahead of some more prominent names. By the way, as it stands now, Sidney Crosby still has his place there, the way he’s played this season.
Wingers
There are a few well deserving wingers to consider as well:
| NAME | NAME |
|---|---|
| M. Marner | M. Stone |
| S. Stamkos | Z. Hyman |
| B. Marchand | B. Hagel |
| J. Marchessault | T. Konecny |
| L. Crowse |
One would think that Marner, even Stamkos and Marchand are show-ins, right? But don’t discount any of the others on that list. Some bring other aspects to the table, most notably Lawson Crouse who can bring some sandpaper to the line-up.
Defensemen
On defense, the competition will be fierce, with many newcomers invited this time around and who weren’t called upon in previous events:
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Z. Morrissey | C. Makar |
| V. Dunn | N. Dobson |
| M. Matheson | E. Bouchard |
| T. Sanheim | K. Letang |
| M. Rielly | M. Weegar |
| D. Toews | S. Durzi |
| S. Theodore | D. Doughty |
| B. Burns | |
| D. Hamilton |
I don’t know about you but I’m not overly concerned about the defense for Team Canada. Some strong skaters and puck movers, some youth and some quality experience as well. In fact, it will be tough to cut that list down to seven or eight!
Goaltenders
Canada’s biggest weakness will be in goal. Gone are the days of Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, Carey Price and company. The Canadians will have to hope that their goaltenders don’t cost them games.
| NAME | NAME |
|---|---|
| A. Hill | C. Talbot |
| C. Ingram | C. Hart |
| T. Jarry | S. Montembeault |
| J. Hofer |
Of course, a lot can happen from now until then but at least, it gives us a bit of an idea about who the main players might be for Team Canada if there is to be a World Cup. As usual, there will be a lot of debate and even anger seeing some names dropped in favour of others. It is to be expected.