NHL: Predicting The 2016 World Cup Rosters

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

NHL World Cup Of Hockey: Canada

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, Jeff Carter, Ryan Johansen.

Yikes at that forward group. They could go with any number of options at the 2016 World Cup. Seguin and Benn are two of the most productive forwards in the NHL – and they play on the same team. That’s nuts. It’s crazy to think that Johansen might be the extra forward. Some other intriguing options: Taylor Hall, Brad Marchand, and Matt Duchene. You could probably make a good case for any of those guys, as each of them are NHL players who bring something different to the table.

DEFENSEMEN: P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, Duncan Keith, Mark Giordano, Drew Doughty, T.J. Brodie, Alex Pietrangelo, Marc-Edouard Vlasic

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 Kris Letang, Brent Burns, or Tyson Barrie. Who knows, someone else might emerge as a candidate as well.

GOALIES: Carey Price, Braden Holtby, Marc-Andre Fleury

Canada has a ton of options as far as goaltenders. Price would be the clear starter at the 2016 World Cup at this point. Assuming he has a strong 2015-2016 season, Holtby is the clear backup. The third spot would be up for grabs.

Canada’s optimal lineup at the 2016 World Cup would be extremely good, to say the least.

Next: Team USA