What Will Team Canada 2018 Look Like?
After Team Canada showed that they are still the top hockey nation in the world on Sunday, it is not unreasonable to predict what the future will hold for them. NHLers in Pyeongchang in 2018 is not for certain, in fact unlikely, but it is fun to predict what the team will look like.
I based my predictions off my reasoning and how I think these players will fare in the next four years. But what do I know, comment and tell me who I missed or should not have put in. Here are my Team Canada 2018 men’s roster predictions with their 2018 age in parenthesis:
Forwards
Sidney Crosby (30): Although his “Sid the Kid” moniker will likely become obsolute, Crosby will be a veteran and be at his prime of his career
Steven Stamkos (28): He will likely take Jeff Carter‘s place as a the top-six scorer, and will likely be the first time Stamkos and Crosby will play together.
John Tavares (27): Arguably one of the best 3 players in the NHL for the past year and a half, but his momentum will be hurt by an unexpected knee injury. However, he will still be one of the best in the game in 2018.
Taylor Hall (26): In my opinion, I think he should have made Team Canada this year, but nonetheless he his basically a lock on the team in four years if he continues improving.
Jonathan Toews (29): He will still be in his prime and motivated for a threepeat. He is probably one of the best captains in the HL and he will only be a better leader as he gets older.
Ryan Getzlaf (32): The best power forward on Team Canada this year will likely have more than enough left in the tank in four years.
Corey Perry (32): Many people forget that he is a Hart Trophy winner and former 50-goal scorer and is still pretty young.
Matt Duchene (27): The speedster will be older and hopefully even better in four years.
Jamie Benn (28): The underrated small forward on the Stars overachieved in Sochi.
Patrice Bergeron (32): He will still be a specialty penalty killer on the team, which is crucial in the Olympics.
Claude Giroux (30): One of the biggest snubs will be looking for redemption and will still only be 30.
Logan Couture (27): Whether it was because of his imjury or not, Couture barely missed this year’s team and will likely be a favourite to make it in Korea.
Jordan Eberle (27): TSN named him the best Canadian World Junior Player ever.
Nathan MacKinnon (22): The first overall pick in last year’s draft will certainly grow and become a top offensive player.
Barely Missed: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (24), Jeff Skinner (25), Rick Nash (33), Eric Staal (33), Connor McDavid (21), Nazem Kadri (27), James Neal (31), Ryan Johansen (24)
Defencemen
Shea Weber (32): The powerful Predators defenceman has been amazing in the pas two Olympics.
Duncan Keith (34): He might be a little too old, but will likely still be a force on the blueline.
Drew Doughty (28): After an awesome 2014 Olympics, he will definitely be given another chance at another gold medal.
Alex Pietrangelo (28): His reliability was an asset at the Olympics and will only be 28 when the Korea arrives.
P.K. Subban (28): He might round out his game as a more experienced player.
Brent Seabrook (32): After barely missing the team, he will get another chance in Korea.
Ryan Murray (24): He is a future ideal Team Canada defenceman.
Tyler Myers (28): This is a huge risk, but I think Myers should improve his game.
Barely Missed: M-E Vlasic (30), Jay Bowmeester (34), Ryan Ellis (26), Cody Franson (30), Derrick Pouliot (24), Dougie Hamilton (24), Morgan Rielly (23), Aaron Ekblad (22)
Goaltenders
Carey Price (30): He was nearly unstoppable in Sochi, and will most certainly be considered as the starter in Korea.
Steve Mason (29): After a great bounceback season, Mason has returned to being a starting NHL goalie.
Jonathan Bernier (29): He is having solid season with Toronto and will likely improve in four years.
Barely Missed: Roberto Luongo (38), Marc-Andre Fleury (33), Jake Allen (27)