IIHF World ChampionshipDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
I am concerned about how much Yzerman can commit to the role unless he is relieved of his duties as Tampa Bay GM within about a year (I know it is very unlikely Yzerman will be fired by then). Canada has had its best success in the Olympics when the guy making the roster decisions was not only driven, successful, but also could focus on the role and had the time to scout players as his own needs dictated (e.g., Gretzky in 2002 and Yzerman in 2010). In 2006 when Gretzky had to also worry about coaching the Coyotes (a full-time job), he relied a lot more on other people making major assessments and decisions. Canada's roster suffered as a result because Gretzky was not available enough to lead the organization wherever and whenever needed.
In 2014, once again I want a guy who knows what it is to be successful on the ice, but can also make this job his top priority. For example, I think Sakic in 2012 is at a similar stage in his career as to where Yzerman was in 2008 - retired a few seasons, knows how to win at both the NHL and international level, and is involved in an NHL organization that has given him some level of management experience (but is not an all-consuming job like head coach or GM).
All that being said, I hope Stevie Y proves my concerns are not valid.
Since Yzerman has been named as Executive Director, here is my 2014 Canada roster as of Monday for all current NHLers (no Crosby, no Ellis etc) March 5, 2012:
Centermen:
1. Claude Giroux:
Has emerged as an elite NHL player, great vision, solid finishing skills, great puck control
2. Jonathan Toews -- Alternate Captain:
One of the best two-way centerman in the NHL, no weakness at all in his game, and a great leader
3. Eric Staal:
Despite a horrid start, the perennial 70 point man has gotten back on track. Good skater for his size
4. Patrice Bergeron:
In my mind he had no place in Vancouver, but has improved in every season since his concussion.
5. John Tavares:
Listed as a center, likely ends up in a top 9 winger role. Elite vision, a vulture around the net. Traditionally kills it on big ice
Right Wingers:
1. Rick Nash -- Captain:
Trouble to find offence in Columbus, but is dynamic, great size, speed, spirit. Always answers the call for Canada. A gamebreaker
2. Jordan Eberle:
The former WJC here has a great shot, great hockey IQ, and is a deceptive skater.
3. Logan Couture:
Passed over the WJC, he has become a great scorer, but also has great hockey IQ. Good defensively
4. Tyler Seguin:
Explosive sophmore who has shown elite skill. His incredible ability to read a play will kill on big ice
Left Wingers:
1. Steven Stamkos:
The best scorer in the NHL adjusts to the left side to accommodate his shot. Gets to play with an elite passer
2. Evander Kane:
The 3rd season 20 year old has improved every season, and has a great two-way skill set
3. Patrick Sharp:
Toews' wingman joins along. Greak skater, shooter, would be the oldest player on the roster
4. Jamie Benn:
Skilled winger provides a great shot, an agressive player, not affraid to lay the body
Right Defenceman:
1. Shea Weber -- Alternate Captain:
IMO the best defenceman in the game. Huge shot, kills penalties, can do it all
2. Alex Pietrangelo:
Very underrated in his own end, has the 5 S's (Size, Shot, Speed, Skill, Spirit). Looked great on big ice last year
3. Drew Doughty:
Offense has stagnated a bit, but the young blueliner logs big minutes, has a great 1st pass. Very unpredictable with the puck
Left Defenceman:
1. Duncan Kieth -- Alternate Captain:
Former Norris winner's stock has taken a hit, but remains elite. Such a great skater, the definition of calm cool and collected
2. Kris Letang:
Another two-way defenceman, very good defensively for his size, and has a great shot
3. Michael Del Zotto:
THE most underrated defenseman in the NHL, has earned praise from Torts for stellar defensive play
4. Dan Hanhuis:
A mobile, more defensively orientated defenceman. Allows OFD's to jump into the play. Wont provide much offence, but doesnt need to
Goaltenders:
1. Carey Price:
Would be 26 in Sochi, with 7 years NHL experience. Very calm in the net, great character, can steal games
2. Marc-Andre Fleury:
Proven playoff performer, Vancouver returnee gets his chance to actually play
3. Roberto Luongo:
A very good goalie, take the 3rd spot because the 88 - 91 goalie crop is poor for our standards
Players to Watch:
1. Sidney Crosby:
This is obvious. If he is healthy, he is there, and wear's the 'C' (barring my next player's involvement). Left off to make things interesting
2. Jarome Iginla:
Great Canadian leader, is the Captain if chosen. Would be a lock if his NHL production is more consistent
3. Jason Spezza:
Dynamic offensive playmaker, still has issues with turnovers. Could upstage Staal if he cleans up his game
4. Taylor Hall:
Incredible speed, tenacity, improving hockey sense. I chose Kane over him because Kane brings more grit, and better two-way play
5. PK Subban:
One of the most exciting young defenceman, could make it if he really finds his groove in the NHL
Last edited by leafsfuture: 03-05-2012 at 08:31 PM.
I can almost GARUNTEE that both Hall and Seguin will be there. Why? They are both in the top 5 fastest players in the league, no way you leave them out in the big ice surface.
That tsn link you list is fine.......it would go into the tournament as the favourite no question.
Yeah, its fine, but the fact that Duncan Keith is missing is strange (yes, he's having an off-year, but he's our best-skating defenceman and was probably our best d-man in 2010), and you just know that Yzerman is going to have at least two of Bergeron/M. Richards/J. Staal there as defensive forwards. Plus, there's the whole question around Crosby at his health at that point in time.
I personally don't think that Eric Staal should be considered for this team. Frankly I didn't think he should be on the 2010 team, but either way. He's 5 full seasons removed from his 100 point season, and 4 full seasons removed from a PPG season. He's not particularly quick either, so I wouldn't say he's got a good speed game on the big ice.
I personally don't think that Eric Staal should be considered for this team. Frankly I didn't think he should be on the 2010 team, but either way. He's 5 full seasons removed from his 100 point season, and 4 full seasons removed from a PPG season. He's not particularly quick either, so I wouldn't say he's got a good speed game on the big ice.
I tend to agree, though I do think he'll receive consideration, due to his involvement on the 2010 team, his age, and he's still a pretty solid player. However, he didn't perform particularly well in 2010 (didn't look out of place either), and never really found a home in the forward lineup. He's not an outstanding defensive player; he's a center (and there are better centers), but didn't look particularly comfortable on the wing, like we thought he would. Never found chemistry with Getzlaf/Perry, nor with Crosby/Iginla. I guess you can't go wrong with having him as the 13th forward, but he'll need at least one really strong playoff between now and 2014 to at least merit strong consideration, IMO.
Despite what the person above me said, I actually think this is one of the worst teams that has been posted.
I don't think Campbell is even close to the radar anymore, at this point in his career I think its pretty obvious that he's a one dimensional player. Burns is one of the most overrated players, he hasn't ever done anything, and is also pretty one dimensional. Very flashy, that's about it. Phaneuf, I don't think I have to say too much here. The only reason you even hear about the guy is because he plays in Toronto. I think the Kaberle effect applies here.
Forwards I don't have too much of an issue with, I've said my piece about E. Staal, so I won't go into that again. I certainly don't see Hall as an impact player on a real team yet, but I hope he is that good. I like Spezza a lot, but I think the chance has passed him by. He's played for Canada a number of times, and he's just never been able to be effective. Juniors, world championships, etc.
Despite what the person above me said, I actually think this is one of the worst teams that has been posted.
I don't think Campbell is even close to the radar anymore, at this point in his career I think its pretty obvious that he's a one dimensional player. Burns is one of the most overrated players, he hasn't ever done anything, and is also pretty one dimensional. Very flashy, that's about it. Phaneuf, I don't think I have to say too much here. The only reason you even hear about the guy is because he plays in Toronto. I think the Kaberle effect applies here.
Forwards I don't have too much of an issue with, I've said my piece about E. Staal, so I won't go into that again. I certainly don't see Hall as an impact player on a real team yet, but I hope he is that good. I like Spezza a lot, but I think the chance has passed him by. He's played for Canada a number of times, and he's just never been able to be effective. Juniors, world championships, etc.
Just my take. I'm a little bored though.
I agree.
If Brent Burns is on our D corps Id be scared to watch the game. This guy was a turnover machine at the Worlds last year, making Phaneuf (who as a Leaf fan I dont think should make it either) look like a steady defenceman
Agree about Spezza, and I want to add that its a fat chance the 4th line is composed of 3 centermen
Anyone else think that the Hall - RNH - Eberle line will be brought in as a unit kind of like that sharks line?
Could very well be. A lot depends on next season.
Right now, Eberle has the best shot but Hall needs to put a great (and full) season next year (as does RNH) and continue it in 2013.
I dont know if they are good enough to make it right now. And I don't know if they'll be "ready" by 2014. Right now? They wouldn't make it (Eberle has a shot but not the other two). But in a year and a half? Maybe.
