What Changes Are In Store For Team Canada 2018?
It is never too early to look ahead. Assuming the NHL players do go to South Korea for the 2018 Olympics, the core of the gold medal winning Team Canada will still be around and most likely will play a big role on the team once again. But, like any team there is bound to be some turnover as players age and new players move in to take spots.
Feb 11, 2014; Sochi, RUSSIA; Members of the Canada team pose for a team photo during an ice hockey training session for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games at Bolshoy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
So, in four years time, who will be in and who will no longer be around:
ON THE OUTS
Luongo too old for 2018? PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today SPORTS
Roberto Luongo – Will be 38 years old next time around.
Mike Smith – Was really the default 3rd choice, will be almost 36 in Feb 2018
Dan Hamhuis – Didn’t play much in his prime, will be 35 next time around
Patrick Sharp – Fell down the depth chart as the tournament went on, will be 37 in 4 years.
Patrick Marleau – Had a very solid tournament but will be 38 before South Korea
Chris Kunitz – Turned some heads that were turnable, but will also be 38.
Martin St. Louis – Will be 43 next time around.
The rest of the players were all integral parts of the team and health permitting will still be at the top of their games in 2018.
So that leaves space for 4 forwards, a defenseman and 2 goalies to gain roster spots:
THE NEW CLASS
Obvioulsy, Steven Stamkos takes one of those spots.
Nov 13, 2013; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forwards
Jordan Eberle(14),
Taylor Hall(4) and
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins(93) speak at the bench during a stoppage in play at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
For the rest of the forwards, you have to look at names like Tyler Seguin, Claude Giroux, Nathan MacKinnon, Logan Couture, Tayor Hall, Jordan Eberle and even Connor McDavid as potential new additions.
On the blue line, you have to think Brent Seabrook might be able to pull a Bouwmeester and return to the team after missing an Olympics. Also in the mix might be Morgan Rielly, Ryan Murray, Justin Schultz and maybe even Aaron Ekblad.
And in net, it will once again be a rather large crapshoot. Names like Jonathan Bernier, , Corey Crawford and even Marc-Andre Fleury if he can have some success under pressure could be mentioned as Carey Price‘s backups.
But have no fear, the team is still in good, veteran hands:
THE NUCLEUS IS IN PLACE
Bouwmeester and Getzlaf PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today Sports
With some changes, the nucleus of the team will still be in place: Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, John Tavares, Jamie Benn, Patrice Bergeron, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry should all still be in their prime in their early 30’s (or late 20’s as it may be).
The same goes for the blue line, with Drew Doughty, Shea Weber, Alex Pietrangelo and Duncan Keith all in that same area. P.K. Subban will be four years older and wiser, and Jay Bouwmeester will still be only 34, despite the fact it seems like he has been around for a century.