I'd hardly say he's a lock? It's incredibly rare for draft eligible players to make it (and those who do typically are in their third year of jr). I'd be pretty surprised if he makes the team - I'd think actually be quite surprised if he did.
I'd hardly say he's a lock? It's incredibly rare for draft eligible players to make it (and those who do typically are in their third year of jr). I'd be pretty surprised if he makes the team - I'd think actually be quite surprised if he did.
Got to agree with you on that one. The only 1995 born player on the team should be Mackinnon. But I've been on the Mackinnon bandwagon since last year...pissed that he was left off as a 16 year old.
This is my decent attempt at a line up. There seems to be some solid forwards up front in the top 6 but hard to find producers for the bottom 6 so I went with a high energy fourth line with some skill to give it an identity
I could see Griffith making it as a fill in on a top 6 line if theres an injury. Theres enough grinders in the bottom 6 that you might as well bring some risky skill.
My defense I dont know if I would have it balanced like this or go with how it was at the Can Russ series. I wouldnt be surpised if Harrington is paired with Ouellet and matched against all the top lines, while Rielly and Dumba get turned loose. Murphy will play sparingly at ES because hes a turn over waiting to happen but rack up a tonne of minutes and points on the PP. Reinhart is the big defensive minded guy to pair with him
This is my decent attempt at a line up. There seems to be some solid forwards up front in the top 6 but hard to find producers for the bottom 6 so I went with a high energy fourth line with some skill to give it an identity
I could see Griffith making it as a fill in on a top 6 line if theres an injury. Theres enough grinders in the bottom 6 that you might as well bring some risky skill.
My defense I dont know if I would have it balanced like this or go with how it was at the Can Russ series. I wouldnt be surpised if Harrington is paired with Ouellet and matched against all the top lines, while Rielly and Dumba get turned loose. Murphy will play sparingly at ES because hes a turn over waiting to happen but rack up a tonne of minutes and points on the PP. Reinhart is the big defensive minded guy to pair with him
Subban starts
Obviously you are optimistic and believe there'll be an NHL season. That team you picked, I'm afraid doesn't win a medal.
Assuming the lockout last through the WJC, I'll be hoping for this team:
Jonathan Huberdeau - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Nathan MacKinnon
Ryan Strome - Mark Schiefele - Ty Rattie
Phillip Danault - Sean Monahan - Mark McNeill
Phillip Di Giuseppe - Boone Jenner - Lucas Lessio
Charles Hudon/Hunter Shinkaruk
Ryan Murray - Dougie Hamilton
Morgan Reilly - Scott Harrington
Griffin Reinhart - Ryan Murphy
Matt Dumba/Xavier Ouellet
Malcom Subban
Brandon Whitney
A bit of a Hawk bias, but I think all three have a good chance at making the team.. I have my doubts McNeill will be on the team, for whatever reason.. but, that's what I'm hoping for.
Obviously you are optimistic and believe there'll be an NHL season. That team you picked, I'm afraid doesn't win a medal.
4 or 5 days straight of negotiation now in a row with 60 players called for a meeting, I have a feeling theyre getting serious and close to a deal before the WJC.
I think that team has a very strong D, goalie and a lot of good defensive forwards. Wont be a high flying team but could medal if they play a good system to their strengths
I really believe Drouin could be in a mix, even with a lockout. He's fast and skilled and impresses the hell out of me every time I see him.
I'd love to see it, but Hockey Canada hasn't got the balls to name two 1995 born players to the team...and at this point I'm not even convinced they'll name Mackinnon.
I'd love to see it, but Hockey Canada hasn't got the balls to name to 1995 born players to the team...and at this point I'm not even convinced they'll name Mackinnon.
I know what you're saying, but I think MacKinnon is a shoo-in and since he plays on the same line with Drouin, who knows? I definitely think he gets a camp invite.
4 or 5 days straight of negotiation now in a row with 60 players called for a meeting, I have a feeling theyre getting serious and close to a deal before the WJC.
I think that team has a very strong D, goalie and a lot of good defensive forwards. Wont be a high flying team but could medal if they play a good system to their strengths
We'll see we'll see we'll see where it all goes, but I'm not optimistic.
The only advantage the 95's has is that 94's were relatively a weak group for forwards. But guys like Lazar, Drouin, and Rychel would have to beat out 93's like Puempel, St. Croix, Cousins, McNeill, Griffith, Ritchie etc
I'd love to see it, but Hockey Canada hasn't got the balls to name to 1995 born players to the team...and at this point I'm not even convinced they'll name Mackinnon.
I don't think he's a shoo-in either. They've cut high profile players before.
Something that works in his favour is the fact that the current crop of forwards isn't particularly strong (leaving aside the issue of the lockout continuing and Huberdeau, etc. being available).
Depending on how everyone is playing when the roster decisions are made, Shinkaruk and Monahan might have the edge because they were already at the summer tournament.
I don't think he's a shoo-in either. They've cut high profile players before.
Something that works in his favour is the fact that the current crop of forwards isn't particularly strong (leaving aside the issue of the lockout continuing and Huberdeau, etc. being available).
Depending on how everyone is playing when the roster decisions are made, Shinkaruk and Monahan might have the edge because they were already at the summer tournament.
I'd MacKinnon would have to play his way off the team. He's been more physical this season, and if he plays like expected it's hard to leave him off.
This is my decent attempt at a line up. There seems to be some solid forwards up front in the top 6 but hard to find producers for the bottom 6 so I went with a high energy fourth line with some skill to give it an identity
I could see Griffith making it as a fill in on a top 6 line if theres an injury. Theres enough grinders in the bottom 6 that you might as well bring some risky skill.
My defense I dont know if I would have it balanced like this or go with how it was at the Can Russ series. I wouldnt be surpised if Harrington is paired with Ouellet and matched against all the top lines, while Rielly and Dumba get turned loose. Murphy will play sparingly at ES because hes a turn over waiting to happen but rack up a tonne of minutes and points on the PP. Reinhart is the big defensive minded guy to pair with him
might be pretty funny seeing they are all looking like top 5 picks come a years time.
