You're technically right that it's a career year for Desharnais - because it's only his first full season. This will be far from the best season of his career. Far from it.
By career year I mean that I believe this year will be the best year of his NHL career. Just my two cents. I could be wrong.
Barring all politics, Pacioretty and Cole should make team USA if they continue the way they're playing now. By then Cole will be older so it all depends on how he ages, and by then Pacioretty will be in his prime so it's pretty sure he makes it.
If Burke is GM or on the team in any capacity, however, neither Cole or Pacioretty has a chance. I think Gionta should have at least had an invite to the 2010 Olympics training camp, but Burke has his head up his ass so he didn't even consider him.
USA will want the veteran leadership Cole brings, IMO. He's too good to leave off.
Desharnais is a big yes. I made my prediction a week ago and I believe it.
And for Budaj to not be on the team, two players would have to beat him out. Halak is obviously the starter, after that it's a toss-up. I'd imagine that Budaj and Janus would be the #2 and #3 barring someone lighting it up.
If Desharnais is a big yes, that mean you think he'll be something like a 90 points player next year?
Emelin (almost a lock)
Markov (injury)
Pacioretty (1 good years does not make a career...)
Eller (keep improving, Danemark make it ?)
Diaz
Webber
Subban (would need a really, really good years...and I doubt it)
I can't believe some people even consider DD for the olympic. You can't be serious...
Toews - Stamkos - Thornton - Bergeron - Crosby (if healthly)
all are pretty much a lock for center position.
Then you have: Spezza - Tavares - Seguin - Couture - Getzlaf - Richars - Eric Staal - Ribeiro
If Desharnais is a big yes, that mean you think he'll be something like a 90 points player next year?
I predicted between 75-90 next year, so long as he has quality wingers. If not it'll hurt his chances since he'll likely finish with around 55-60 -- Plekanec-like numbers this year.
I predicted between 75-90 next year, so long as he has quality wingers. If not it'll hurt his chances since he'll likely finish with around 55-60 -- Plekanec-like numbers this year.
So basically you think he's the next Martin St. Louis. That's a bold prediction.
Desharnais has no shot. Even if he puts up 90 points next season (which I don't believe will happen), he doesn't crack the team in my view. Frankly, Desharnais just doesn't bring enough other things to the table even if he were to be a perennial point-per-game player.
Gionta also has no shot. Not sure how he's seen as likely.
Cole's a long shot.
Players who have a good chance? Markov, Emelin, Price, Pacioretty, Diaz, Weber, Budaj, Plekanec, and Eller should Denmark be in the mix. Healthy representation, for sure.
Pleks, Kaberle if they are reallly desperate, but probably not by 2013
Weber, Diaz (if still Habs)
Patches
Subban, Price
Hopefully our first round pick, Markov
edit: totally forgot -- Emelin should DEFINITELY be on there if I was their GM and IF Denmark is in, without a question Eller is there. I strongly believe Eller is going to be a star in this league.
AK and SK will go for belarus (I'm still mourning AK)
Why didn't you include Cole as a possibility? He's 6th amongst Americans this year in goal scoring.
He SHOULD be on thier roster, and a lot will depend on what happens to his performance in two years (I'm so scared that he's been too good to be true), but team USA tends to overlook guys like Cole. Their roster was pretty solid and young last time so I don't expect major changes and I doubt they use Cole on 3rd or 4th line. Then again, with Pacioretty, that would be a very astute move on Burke's part (if it is he of truculence and belligerence who will decide).
I wouldn't rule out P.K. Subban. Team Canada loves players who'se been with the program and Subban has even been named captain of a team that won the gold medal. Pretty sure he had alot of spotlight back then.... More so if you consider that it happened in Ottawa and was one of the most media hyped tournament.
Why didn't you include Cole as a possibility? He's 6th amongst Americans this year in goal scoring.
Possibility, sure, but a longshot.
2010 set up 2014 as far as Team USA goes, I believe.
The core forwards:
Parise, Stastny, Backes, Kane, Kessel, Kesler, Ryan, Pavelski, and Callahan.
Then there's Oshie and Pominville.
Unlike Team Canada, the US' strength is on the wings--which doesn't bode well for Cole (Gionta isn't even in the discussion).
Parise, Kane and Kessel are on an elite level. Then there's Ryan, a big body, young, and fits with that core a whole lot better. Callahan's a young leader. Either Backes or Pavelski will be moved to wing, and so that's the top 6 wingers.
If any vet gets consideration based on output, it'll be Pominville over Cole IMO. Especially since Pominville's fundamentals are sound.
