2016 World Cup of Hockey: Predicting The Teams

2016 World Cup of Hockey Roster Predictions: Canada

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

As always, Canada’s roster at the 2016 World Cup will likely resemble the Dream Team. It won’t be quite as impressive because of the 23 year old cut off rule, but it will still be extremely impressive.

FORWARDS: Sidney Crosby, Tyler Seguin, Claude Giroux, Ryan Getzlaf, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Rick Nash, Jonathan Toews, Patrice Bergeron, Logan Couture, Corey Perry, Jamie Benn, Ryan Johansen.

Yikes at that forward group. Eleven of these guys either are All-Stars this season or really should be. The final two spots (Perry and Benn) are up for debate. They could go with any number of options at the 2016 World Cup, but I think Canada would need some wings and those are two of the better options. It’s crazy to think that Johansen might be the odd man out, but he could provide an offensive spark if needed. Some other intriguing options: Patrick Marleau, Matt Duchene, and Jason Spezza. You could probably make a good case for any of those guys.

DEFENSEMEN: P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, Duncan Keith, Mark Giordano, Drew Doughty, T.J. Brodie, Kris Letang

If you thought the forward group was insane, just look at this. Four All-Stars, one guy who really should have been one but wasn’t, and an emerging star. Of course, Canada would have a ton of options as far as reserves. They could go with Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brent Burns, or Tyson Barrie. Who knows, someone else might emerge as a candidate as well.

GOALIES: Carey Price, Marc-Andre Fleury, Roberto Luongo

Canada has a ton of options as far as goaltenders. Price would be the clear starter at the 2016 World Cup, but the next two spots are up in the air. Braden Holtby or Michael Hutchinson could easily grab one or both of the two spots. You can’t rule out Corey Crawford either.

Canada’s optimal lineup at the 2016 World Cup would be unfair.

Nash – Crosby – Stamkos
Tavares – Getzlaf – Perry
Benn – Seguin – Giroux
Toews- Bergeron – Johansen
Couture

Keith – Weber
Giordano – Doughty
Brodie – Subban
Letang

Price

Lord have mercy on anyone who has to play that team. Canada will clearly be the best team at the 2016 World Cup.