Tomorrow is the big day for Canada’s Olympic Team. We find out exactly who makes the roster and who doesn’t. There will be people omitted from the squad but most of the No-Brainers will be there and any surprises will still be elite players. The team below isn’t who I think will make the squad but is the team I would pick. Team Canada is easier than most teams to pick because you don’t have to be a rocket surgeon or a brain scientist to make 80% of the selections, but the rest of them will be debated and/or mocked for eternity.
CENTER
Crosby: Do I honestly need to explain myself?
Getzlaf: Huge, in the prime of his career, Canada’s 2nd leading scorer, winner, and has a bald head ready for good luck rubbing.
Thornton: Not on everybody’s list but the man is another hulking player with lots of international experience and that passing ability is going to on display on the big ice surface where his wingers could find more space.
Bergeron: I have a serious man-crush on Patrice Bergeron’s game. As far as I’m concerned he should have won the Selke 4 years running. Nobody who has taken as many draws as him comes close to the 62.1% he sports. Team Canada needs penalty killers too. How can you pass on the best defensive forward in the NHL who also chips in on offense?
LEFT WING
Sharp: He’s a smart player who can play with skill and is having an outstanding season. Who doesn’t love this guy?
Neal: James Neal has 34 points in 24 games. Most people will overlook him but that grabs my attention.
Toews: Not everyone gets to play their natural position on Team Canada and he is the first I have out of position. He’s a left handed shot so I put him on the port-side, but he can also kill penalties and win faceoffs.
Duchene: I don’t know if Team Canada has a faster player available who can also put the puck in the net. I think this guy takes off in Sochi like a jet plane.
RIGHT WING
Stamkos: This one makes me crazy. If he was healthy he would be a no-brainer. Injured and he’s a liability. Even at 80% he’ll be a good player, but feet tend to be somewhat important to hockey players. I think he’s a riskier pick than most do.
Perry: Canada’s highest scoring natural RW. He’s big and mean and knows his Centerman well.
Giroux: Right handed shot, another converted C, good on the PP. Really turned around his season since October, had 19 points in December.
Tavares: Still a young player and not in his natural position nor natural side, but I think he plays on the PP and in limited minutes. 2018 will be his show but he gets his feet wet here.
EXTRA
Hall: I don’t expect him to play but he’s part of Canada’s future and I would have him there learning what it takes. He’s a heck of an offensive player already but in this group that isn't quite enough. Still, the puck moves in the right direction when he’s on the ice.
St. Louis: 38 years old and still such a fantastic player. These are his last Olympics and in the event that Stamkos is not really effective this is his replacement.
DEFENSE
Keith: In the event that Keith isn’t on your list, stop huffing glue.
Weber: See comments for Keith. Big, mean, plays a ton, shoots like a canon.
Doughty: Was there any question?
Subban: Reigning Norris Trophy winner with a little bit of risk to his game. If Yzerman fails to take him then he really screwed up. He shouldn’t be a bubble selection. He should be a lock, and he is on my team.
Pietrangelo: He probably makes Canada’s next 4 Olympic teams.
Seabrook: A natural pairing for Keith, even though he is another right handed D I would have him on my team. Injuries happen. He can step in and play well.
Campbell: Maybe my most out there selection. He’s a fantastic skater with great possession numbers on a bad Panthers team. He plays a ton and is a left-handed defender on a team that needs more of them. Call me crazy if you want, he plays on my team Canada ahead of guys like Bouwmeester, who I think is riding coattails in St Louis.
Giordano: If he had played a full year I think he makes it on more than my list, but this is a leader, he’s a veteran, he can add offence, he’s played on the big ice before, and he logs a lot of PK minutes too. We’re talking about the 8th Dman here so this is a guy who probably wont play much if at all but if he does play then he had better be able to get the job done. He’s on my team.
GOALIES
Price: What can I say, he’s the guy.
Luongo: If he’s healthy then he’s a lock for me too.
Bernier: The 3rd Goalie is a cheerleader but he’s 25 and playing incredibly well. He plays in Hockey’s biggest market so the media gong show of the Olympics wont be as jarring to him. I want him on the team because he may be challenging for the starting spot in 2018. That’s a tough call to make 4 years out (especially on a goalie) but he’s the best bet for goalies in his age group.
There’s my Olympic team. 80% (or more) the same as everyone else save for probably Neal, Hall, Campbell, and Bernier. I believe in taking the best players to the Olympics and that’s why names like Nash and Vlasic don’t make my team, but at same time there is room for some inexperience on the squad.
I don’t expect my Team Canada to be Yzerman’s Team Canada, but I would put my group up against anybody in the world and be comfortable when the puck drops.
Follow me on Twitter @Archaeologuy
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»