Team Canada 2014: Predicting The Forwards

Yesterday I took a shot at predicting the defensemen and goaltenders that will be named to the roster of Team Canada, and now I will try to figure out the forwards.  This is a much more difficult task simply because of the depth in the forward ranks that the selection committee has to choose from.  There are going to be a lot of big names left off the roster, because there can only be 14 names on the roster and there are at least twice as many that could lay legitimate claim to a spot.

Nov 22, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(left) and left wing

(right) at the face-off circle against the New York Islanders during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Canada’s depth is up the middle, with as many as 8 natural centres that could be named, some of whom will move to the wing to be part of this team.  However, having too many players play out of position could pose a problem and you need to have a few natural wingers as well.  While I was pretty confident in naming my back end, this is going to be pure speculation, and more of this group might be my preference than what will really take place when the roster is named on Tuesday.

Like the defense, familiarity goes a long way in a short tournament, which is why some of the players on my roster have the edge over some of the players just left off.  Each line has a pair of players that play together on their teams, and that cohesion will benefit the team.