NHL: Predicting The 2016 World Cup Rosters

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

NHL World Cup Of Hockey: ‘Merica

The United States likely won’t be quite as deep as Canada, but they’ll still field an extremely good team at the 2016 World Cup.

FORWARDS: Tyler Johnson, Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, Joe Pavelski, Max Pacioretty, Ryan Kesler, Derek Stepan, Zach Parise, T.J. Oshie, Blake Wheeler, David Backes, Nick Bjugstad, Nick Foligno, James van Riemsdyk

That’s not quite as impressive as Canada’s forward lines, but that’s still pretty darn impressive. The United States will have a plethora of options at the 2016 World Cup. Kyle Okposo and Chris Kreider will compete for a spot.

DEFENSEMEN: John Carlson, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Suter, Kevin Shattenkirk, Ryan McDonagh, Justin Faulk, Cam Fowler, Keith Yandle

This group of blue liners is a lot better than you think. It just might be able to hang in there with Canada’s in the 2016 World Cup. They probably have better puck movers than Canada. Who the heck of these guys do you use on the power play? Nick Leddy could make a run with a nice 2015 season.

GOALIES: Jonathan Quick, Ben Bishop, Cory Schneider

I’d go with the strategy of letting Schneider start out of pity. He deserves to know what it’s like to play for a good team that would actually score goals for him. He deserves so much better than the Devils. Quick and Bishop would be awesome backups. Quick is declining, but still one of the best in the NHL. Bishop, as one of the better goalies in the NHL, will reprise his shunned Olympic role.

America’s optimal lineup at the 2016 World Cup would compete with anyone, possibly even Canada. Their blue line is nuts. Some of the most productive blue liners in the NHL.

Next: Sweden