The coaching staff for Team Canada’s entry at next year’s World Cup of Hockey has been set, and management didn’t waste time declaring that reigning Hart Trophy winner Carey Price would be the starting goalie. The other announcement was that Sidney Crosby would also be assured a spot on the team. Before this season, his inclusion would have the most obvious no-brainer (and to many it still is). His early struggles this season, (which won’t last, he’ll be fine) has caused some to wonder if he would indeed be a lock. But very smartly, Team Canada’s brass decided to avoid months of speculation by confirming his presence to erase all doubt.
Now that the formalities are out of the way, we can begin to ponder on and piece together the rest of the roster. We’re going to see the usual suspects, especially considering the success that Canada has had lately in international competition, but there will be spots up for grabs. A lot can change before the rosters are revealed in June, but in my mind these are the guys who should be on the team to give Canada the best chance to win. (All players must be at least 24 years old by the time the tournament begins).
Projected Roster (Age as of September 2016)
Forwards
Jamie Benn (27) – John Tavares (25) – Tyler Seguin (24)
Taylor Hall (24) – Sidney Crosby (29) – Ryan Johansen (24)
Logan Couture (27) – Jonathan Toews (28) – Steven Stamkos (26)
Claude Giroux (27) – Ryan Getzlaf (31) – Corey Perry (31)
Extra: Rick Nash (32), Patrice Bergeron (31)
Defence
Duncan Keith (33) – PK Subban (27)
Shea Weber (31) – Drew Doughty (26)
Mark Giordano (32) – Brent Burns (31)
Extra: Kris Letang (29)
Goalies
Carey Price (29)
Marc-Andre Fleury (31)
Braden Holtby (26)
(Do you agree with my roster selection? If not, feel free to share your choices in the comment section below).