2016 World Cup of Hockey: Preview, Projected Rosters

2016 World Cup of Hockey: Preview and Projected Rosters 2.0

2016 World Cup of Hockey will feature eight teams (Team Canada, Team USA, Team Russia, Team Sweden, Team Czech Republic, Team Finland, Team North America, Team Europe). The tournament will be held in September 2016, and is a group effort with the NHL and NHLPA, in association with International Ice Hockey Federation.

The rules will differ from that of IIHF held tournaments, and will follow NHL rules, with games being played on NHL-sized rinks. Because of the league’s involvement, fans can expect to see far less European players than we’re used to seeing at World Championships or Olympics in the 2016 NHL World Cup of Hockey.

2016 World Cup of Hockey – Rosters and Groupings

23 players, 20 skaters, 3 goalies

Group A: Team Canada, Team Czech Republic, Team Europe, Team USA
Group B: Team Finland, Team North America, Team Russia, Team Sweden

via NHL.com,
“The players for Team North America will be selected from a pool of the best young hockey players from Canada and the United States. Those players must be 23 or under as of Oct. 1, 2016 (i.e., must have a date of birth on or after Oct. 2, 1992) and will be available for selection exclusively by Team North America.”

“Team Europe will be comprised of a pan-European roster of players from birth countries outside of the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and Sweden – in short, all of the other European countries who are developing world-class hockey players in ever-increasing numbers. Countries such as Austria, Belarus, Denmark, France, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland (among others) will all be eligible for representation on Team Europe.”

1st Roster Deadline: 16 players (at least two goalies) no later than March 1st, 2016
2nd Roster Deadline: Remaining roster no later than June, 1st, 2016

The 2016 World Cup of Hockey will be held in Toronto at Air Canada Centre from September 17th to October 1st.

Before going any further, we’d like to address one point through feedback from our first edition. It seems there’s a small percentile of fans that believe there was too much NHL representation with certain European teams, such as Finland, Czech Republic, Russia, etc. While it’s normal for these teams to carry several KHL or other European league skaters for annual international tournaments – this is an NHL run tournament. NHL rules, NHL ice surface, held in North America. So while there will be some representation of players from European leagues – teams will be largely filled with NHL skaters.

Any stats or information were obtained from Hockeydb.com or NHL.com

Next: Team Europe

Team Europe

Team Europe will consist of any player whose countries nationality isn’t being represented (Austria, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, etc). There’s a few wild-cards with players such as Oliver Bjorkstrand, Daniel Sprong, Marko Dano, Kevin Fiala, and Timo Meier that could make a late impression before roster deadlines. With the plethora of players to choose from, Team Europe should be very competitive in group A.

Coaching Staff

Franz Reindl, President/Team Leader

An ex-German hockey player who has been the general manager for Germany in several past World Championships and Olympic games.

Miroslav Satan, General Manager

Had 735 points in 1050 Career NHL Games. Spent most of his career with Buffalo and NY Islanders, adding one season with Pittsburgh and Boston. Satan hasn’t played hockey since 2013-14 with KHL’s HC Slovan Bratislava.

Ralph Krueger, Head Coach

Canadian-born in Winnipeg but is of German decent. Played professional hockey in Germany as a player. Went on to coach in Austria, followed by coaching Switzerland several times on the international stage. He also spent two seasons as Edmonton Oilers assistant coach, and one year as head coach.

November 6th Projection

Forwards:
Nikolaj Ehlers (WPG), Anze Kopitar (LA), Marian Hossa (CHI), Thomas Vanek (MIN), Leon Draisaitl (EDM), Marian Gaborik (LA), Tomas Tatar (DET), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Mats Zuccarello (NYR), Michael Raffl (PHI), Mikkel Boedker (ARZ), Michael Grabner (TOR), Antoine Roussel (DAL)

Defense:
Roman Josi (NSH), Mark Streit (PHI), Zdeno Chara (BOS), Andrej Sekera (EDM), Christian Ehrhoff (LA), Luca Sbisa (VAN), Mirco Mueller (SJ)

Goalies:
Frederik Andersen (ANA), Jaroslav Halak (NYI), Jonas Hiller (CGY)

February 9th Projection

Forwards:
Anze Kopitar (LA), Marian Hossa (CHI), Leon Draisaitl (EDM), Marian Gaborik (LA), Mats Zuccarello (NYR), Mikkel Boedker (ARZ), Nino Niederreiter (MIN), Tomas Tatar (DET), Antoine Roussel (DAL), Michael Grabner (TOR), Thomas Vanek (MIN), Frans Nielsen, (NYI), Tobias Reider (ARZ)

Defense:
Roman Josi (NSH), Mark Streit (PHI), Zdeno Chara (BOS), Andrej Sekera (EDM), Christian Ehrhoff (LA), Luca Sbisa (VAN), Dennis Seidenberg (BOS)

Goalies:
Jaroslav Halak (NYI), Frederik Andersen (ANA), Reto Berra (COL)

* new additions in italics

Honorable Mentions:
Nikolaj Ehlers (WPG), Jannik Hansen (VAN), Lars Eller (MON), Zemgus Girgensons (BUF), Daniel Sprong (PIT), Marko Dano (CHI), Tomas Jurco (DET), Kevin Fiala (NSH), Sven Andrighetto (MON), Mikhail Grabovski (NYI), Sven Baertschi (VAN), Yannick Weber (VAN), P.E. Bellemare (PHI), Andreas Martinsen (COL), Jonas Hiller (CGY), Thomas Greiss (NYI), Richard Panik (CHI), Martin Marincin (TOR)

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There’s a few interchangable players that can be plugged into the last couple spots up front. Between 8-10 forwards are virtual locks for Team Europe. Fair arguments can be made for the inclusion of Nikolaj Ehlers, Lars Eller, or Zemgus Girgensons in those last spots over Tobias Reider and Frans Nielsen. Kevin Fiala in Nashville should be considered a dark horse to land a spot if he can get hot down the final stretch with the Predators.

Team Europe will have an underrated defensive core with Josi, Streit, Chara, and Sekera likely in the top two pairings. Andersen and Halak could share the starter’s role to open the tournament, then they may go with the hot-hand after.

Next: Team North America

Team North America

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding this “young stars” team, and for good reason. Picking this squad is especially difficult for two reasons. Firstly, there’s a lot of talent to pick from. Secondly, these young guys are breaking out and evolving all the time. With deadlines so far away, this could be the one roster that sees the most juggling and movement in public opinion.

via NHL.com,

Who is eligible to be selected for Team North America?

The players for Team North America will be selected from a pool of the best young hockey players from Canada and the United States. Those players must be 23 or under as of Oct. 1, 2016 (i.e., must have a date of birth on or after Oct. 2, 1992) and will be available for selection exclusively by Team North America.

Coaching Staff

Peter Chiarelli, General Manager (Edmonton Oilers GM)

Stan Bowman, Associate General Manager (Chicago Blackhawks VP/GM)

Ryan Jankowski, Director of Operations (Hockey Canada)

Adam Graves, Special Assistant to the General Managers

Former Cup winner with NY Rangers, and also played for Detroit, Edmonton, and San Jose. Appeared in 1152 career NHL games, tallying 616 points.

Pat Verbeek, Director of Player Personnel

Longtime NHL’er that appeared in 1424 career NHL games. Spent most of his time with New Jersey and Hartford, while also spending time with NY Rangers, Dallas, and Detroit. Verbeek is in the 1000-point club with 1063 career NHL points.

Paul Fenton, Director of Player Personnel (Nashville Predators Assistant GM)

Todd McLellan, Head Coach (Edmonton Oilers Head Coach)

November 6th Projection

Forwards:
Johnny Gaudreau (CGY), Sean Monahan (CGY), Connor McDavid (EDM), Jonathan Drouin (TB), Nathan MacKinnon (COL), Jack Eichel (BUF), Alex Galchenyuk (MON), Max Domi (ARZ), Mark Scheifele (WPG), Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM), Ryan Strome (NYI), Auston Matthews (SWI)

Defense:
Aaron Ekblad (FLA), Dougie Hamilton (CGY), Jacob Trouba (WPG), Morgan Reilly (TOR), Seth Jones (CLB), Colton Parayko (STL), Ryan Murray (CLB)

Goalies:
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG), John Gibson (ANA), Matt Murray (PIT)

February 9th Projection

Forwards:
Johnny Gaudreau (CGY), Sean Monahan (CGY), Connor McDavid (EDM), Nathan MacKinnon (COL), Jack Eichel (BUF), Max Domi (ARZ), Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA), Brandon Saad (CLB), Dylan Larkin (DET), Sam Bennett (CGY), Sam Reinhart (BUF), Boone Jenner (CLB), Auston Matthews (SWI)

Defense:
Aaron Ekblad (FLA), Dougie Hamilton (CGY), Jacob Trouba (WPG), Morgan Reilly (TOR), Seth Jones (CLB), Shayne Gostisbehere (PHI), Noah Hanifin (CAR)

Goalies:
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG), John Gibson (ANA), Matt Murray (PIT)

* new additions in italics

Honorable Mentions:
Alex Galchenyuk (MON), Jonathan Drouin (TB), Mark Scheifele (WPG), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM), Ryan Strome (NYI), Matt Nieto (SJ), Sean Couturier (PHI), Tom Wilson (WAS), Vincent Trocheck (FLA), Curtis Lazar (OTT), Bo Horvat (VAN), Anthony Duclair (ARZ), Jared McCann (VAN), Robby Fabbri (STL), Jean-Gabriel Pageau (OTT), Seth Griffith (BOS), Joseph Blandisi (NJ), Kerby Rychel (CLB), Colin Miller (BOS), Nathan Beaulieu (MON), Ben Hutton (VAN), Cody Ceci (OTT), Matt Dumba (MIN), Damon Severson (NJ), Connor Murphy (ARZ), Ryan Murphy (CAR), Colton Parayko (STL), Jake McCabe (BUF), Derrick Pouliot (PIT), Jaccob Slavin (CAR), Shea Theodore (ANA), Malcolm Subban (BOS), Zachary Fucale (MON)

November 6th write-up:

To attempt to grasp the struggles of predicting this roster, look no further than the bubble players that have been left off. It’s difficult to imagine not including Larkin, Saad, Duclair, Bennett, Couturier, etc., but I’m not sure you could eliminate Matthews, Galchenyuk or Scheifele for one of those guys. On the back-end, toughest cuts were Hutton, Ceci, Dumba, Severson, and Hanifin. Again who do you eliminate out of Reilly, Parayko, or Murray?

Hellebuyck is the likely starter after his World Championships performance last spring with Team USA. The pick for third goalie is up for debate as there’s a drop off beyond Gibson. Matt Murray is the next best goaltender without NHL experience. Aaron Ekblad or Connor McDavid seem like the front-runners to wear the captaincy for Team North America at 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

If any team was going to see roster fluctuation, it was North America. It’s difficult to project a roster of players with limited NHL experience, but we’ve done our best. Notice this time around, we’ve included Dylan Larkin, Sam Reinhart, Brandon Saad, and Sam Bennett, and Boone Jenner as new additions up front. All five are performing in 2015-16, while the drop-offs are having tough seasons.

We’ve been heavy supporters of Hellebuyck and Gibson since well before the 2015-16 season started, so it’s nice to see both make the most of their opportunities this season.

Regardless of who makes this squad, they should prove to be top contenders with the likes of Canada, USA, and Sweden.

Next: Team Canada

Team Canada

A coaching staff that includes four NHL GM’s and five NHL coaches. The words “excessive” and “unnecessary” come to mind when looking at the staff, but there’s a reason Team Canada goes in as a heavy favorite. The selection process for this team will be closely watched as the bubble list for cuts is loaded with talent. Realistically speaking, Team Canada and North America would have enough skill to dress two teams.

Coaching Staff

Tom Renney, President (Hockey Canada President & CEO)

Scott Salmond, Hockey Operations

Team Canada Manager at 2014-15 World Championships. GM of World Juniors U20 and U18 teams over the past couple seasons.

Doug Armstrong, General Manager (St.Louis Blues GM)

Marc Bergevin, Assistant General Manager (Montreal Canadiens GM)

Rob Blake, Assistant General Manager

Assistant GM in Los Angeles, and retired all-star Defenseman that had 777 points in 1270 games.

Ken Holland, Assistant General Manager (Detroit Red Wings GM/Executive VP)

Bob Murray, Assistant General Manager (Anaheim Ducks GM)

Mike Babcock, Head Coach (Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach)

Claude Julien, Assistant Coach (Boston Bruins Head Coach)

Bill Peters, Assistant Coach (Carolina Hurricanes Head Coach)

Joel Quenneville, Assistant Coach (Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach)

Barry Trotz, Assistant Coach (Washington Capitals Head Coach)

November 6th Projection

Forwards:
Jamie Benn (DAL), Tyler Seguin (DAL), John Tavares (NYI), Steven Stamkos (TB), Sidney Crosby (PIT), Joe Thornton (SJ), Claude Giroux (PHI), Jonathan Toews (CHI), Taylor Hall (EDM), Rick Nash (NYR), Ryan Getzlaf (ANA), Corey Perry (ANA), Mark Stone (OTT)

Defense:
Drew Doughty (LA), P.K. Subban (MON), Duncan Keith (CHI), Brent Seabrook (CHI), Alex Pietrangelo (STL), Shea Weber (NAS), Mark Giordano (CGY)

Goalies:
Carey Price (MON), Braden Holtby (WAS), Marc-Andre Fleury (PIT)

February 9th Projection

Forwards:
Jamie Benn (DAL), Tyler Seguin (DAL), John Tavares (NYI), Steven Stamkos (TB), Sidney Crosby (PIT), Joe Thornton (SJ), Claude Giroux (PHI), Jonathan Toews (CHI), Ryan Getzlaf (ANA), Corey Perry (ANA), Patrice Bergeron (BOS), Eric Staal (CAR), Taylor Hall (EDM)

Defense:
Drew Doughty (LA), P.K. Subban (MON), Duncan Keith (CHI), Shea Weber (NAS), Brent Burns (SJ), Brent Seabrook (CHI), Mark Giordano (CGY)

Goalies:
Carey Price (MON), Braden Holtby (WAS), Roberto Luongo (FLA)

* new additions in italics

Honorable Mentions:
Rick Nash (NYR), Mark Stone (OTT), Kyle Turris (OTT), Ryan O’Reilly (BUF), Jarome Iginla (COL), Jeff Carter (LA), Jason Spezza (DAL), Mike Cammalleri (NJ), Brendan Gallagher (MON), Mike Hoffman (OTT), Adam Henrique (NJ), James Neal (NAS), Andrew Ladd (WPG), Patrick Marleau (SJ), Ryan Johansen (NAS), Matt Duchene (COL), Milan Lucic (LA), Jaden Schwartz (STL), Jordan Eberle (EDM), Alex Pietrangelo (STL), Jay Bouwmeester (STL), Kris Letang (PIT), Johnny Boychuk (NYI), T.J. Brodie (CGY), Dan Boyle (NYR), Marc-Andre Fleury (PIT), Corey Crawford (CHI), Jake Allen (STL), Martin Jones (SJ)

Blue Line Station

November 6th write-up:

Tough cuts with Bergeron, Carter, Marleau, Schwartz, Johansen, and E.Staal. Some experts have excluded Getzlaf and Perry. A slow-start isn’t enough to merit holding them off the list. They’ve had international success and chemistry. If you wanted to swap out any players, Mark Stone and Joe Thornton are closest to the bubble. The captaincy should be between Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby. Toews numerous Stanley Cup’s are truly impressive, but Sidney has been the face of Canadian hockey on the biggest international stage, so I’d expect Sid be named captain.

The only tough cut on the back-end was Brent Burns, who could be interchangeable with Mark Giordano. Patrick Weircioch had success at the World Championships this past spring, but he’ll be hard pressed to beat out anyone ahead of him. Carey Price is the obvious starter for Canada, since he is the best goalie in the world right now. Holtby is the next best Canadian goaltender, while Fleury has played well and has international success. Corey Crawford is just barely on the outside looking in because he didn’t exactly steal playoff rounds during Chicago’s Cup runs.

Based on their 2015-16 seasons, we’ve chosen to include Bergeron, Staal, Burns, and Luongo this time around. Debate will continue for those last three forward spots, and one or two defensive spots. The biggest debate brewing is with the goaltenders. Marc-Andre Fleury, Corey Crawford, and Martin Jones are making legitimate cases for a roster spot, challenging Price, Holtby, and Luongo.

Next: Team USA

Team USA

Seems to always be an underrated team, but make no mistake, the United States will head into the 2016 NHL World Cup of Hockey as the second-favorite behind Canada. The overall scoring talent doesn’t match equally with Canada, but no team will play a meaner grittier style of hockey than Team USA. Their top-end talent is loaded with players who love to play with that edge, and it’ll make them a difficult team to play against.

Coaching Staff

Dean Lombardi, General Manager (Los Angeles Kings GM)

Paul Holmgren, Assistant General Manager (Philadelphia Flyers President)

Brian Burke, Senior Advisor (Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations)

Jim Johannson, Hockey Operations (USA Hockey Executive)

John Tortorella, Head Coach (Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach)

November 6th Projection

Forwards:
Zach Parise (MIN), Joe Pavelski (SJ), Patrick Kane (CHI), James van Riemsdyk (TOR), Max Pacioretty (MON), Phil Kessel (PIT), David Backes (STL), Paul Stastny (STL), Dustin Brown (LA), Chris Kreider (NYR), Tyler Johnson (TB), Bobby Ryan (OTT), Derek Stepan (NYR)

Defense:
Kevin Shattenkirk (STL), Dustin Byfuglien (WPG), Ryan Suter (MIN), Justin Faulk (CAR), John Carlson (WAS), Andy Greene (NJ), Torey Krug (BOS)

Goalies:
Jonathan Quick (LA), Ben Bishop (TB), Cory Schneider (NJ)

February 9th Projection

Forwards:
Zach Parise (MIN), Joe Pavelski (SJ), Patrick Kane (CHI), James van Riemsdyk (TOR), Max Pacioretty (MON), Phil Kessel (PIT), David Backes (STL), Paul Stastny (STL), Tyler Johnson (TB), Bobby Ryan (OTT), Derek Stepan (NYR), Blake Wheeler (WPG), Kyle Palmieri (NJ)

Defense:
Kevin Shattenkirk (STL), Dustin Byfuglien (WPG), Ryan Suter (MIN), Justin Faulk (CAR), John Carlson (WAS), Torey Krug (BOS), Ryan McDonagh (NYR)

Goalies:
Jonathan Quick (LA), Ben Bishop (TB), Cory Schneider (NJ)

* new additions in italics

Honorable Mentions:
Dustin Brown (LA), Chris Kreider (NYR), Nick Bjugstad (FLA), Kevin Hayes (NYR), Jimmy Hayes (BOS), Charlie Coyle (MIN), Anders Lee (NYI), Brock Nelson (NYI), Colin Wilson (NAS), Nick Foligno (CLB), Kyle Okposo (NYI), Cam Atkinson (CLB), T.J. Oshie (WSH), Brandon Dubinsky (CLB), Jason Pominville (MIN), Ryan Kesler (ANA), Ryan Callahan (TB), Andy Greene (NJ), Cam Fowler (ANA), Nick Leddy (NYI), Erik Johnson (COL), Jake Gardiner (TOR), Jeff Petry (MON), Jack Johnson (CLB), Alec Martinez (LA), Matt Niskanen (WSH), Keith Yandle (NYR), Matt Hunwick (TOR), Alex Goligoski (DAL), James Wisniewski (CAR), Paul Martin (SJ), Brooks Orpik (WSH), Trevor van Riemsdyk (CHI), Nate Schmidt (WSH), Zach Bogosian (BUF), Craig Anderson (OTT), Ryan Miller (VAN)

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November 6th write-up:

There’s a few borderline decisions that could be argued up front as there’s roughly 10 players fighting for three spots at most. You could make an argument for 75 percent of the honorably mentioned forwards to be on the team, the problem is figuring who to cut from the current projection. The selection for this team could be particularly interesting to watch.

It would be shocking if Shattenkirk, Byfuglien, Suter, Faulk, and Carlson weren’t locks for this team. Krug and Greene might be the only debatable players on the back-end. Although Greene brings intangibles with his leadership, while Krug has stepped up in a big way to replace Dougie Hamilton in Boston. Wisniewski, Orpik, Fowler, McDonagh, E.Johnson, or J.Johnson are guys that may also be considered.

Jonathan Quick should be the unanimous starter, although Ben Bishop and Cory Schneider give Team USA arguably the best three goaltenders in the tournament. The nominations for captaincy should fall to Max Pacioretty, David Backes, Dustin Brown, and Joe Pavelski. All four could be wearing letters at 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

In the forward group, we’ve added Blake Wheeler and Kyle Palmieri. Palmieri is somewhat of a surprise, making the most of his top six opportunity in New Jersey. That sixth slot on defense is debatable. We swapped Ryan McDonagh in for Andy Greene, both of which are stud blueliners. The three goaltenders we originally projected should be as close to locks as anyone in this tournament.

Next: Team Sweden

Team Sweden

The additions of Lidstrom, Alfredsson, Forsberg and Sundin to Sweden’s coaching staff is an excellent choice, and would be nice to see all four in future coaching/management roles for Sweden on the international stage. The Swedes are starting to develop high-end talent from the blue-line in bunches, while they also continue to be one of the leaders in quality goaltending.

Coaching Staff

Tommy Boustedt, General Secretary (Swedish Ice Hockey Association Development Chief)

Rickard Gronborg, Head Coach (Swedish Men’s National Team Head Coach)

Johan Garpenlov, Assistant Coach

Former NHL’er played for Detroit, Florida, San Jose, and Atlanta, but is likely best remembered for his time with Florida Panthers. He had 311 points in 609 career NHL games.

Peter Popovic, Assistant Coach (Tre Konor Assistant Coach)

Daniel Alfredsson, Advisory Board

Long-time Ottawa captain and Senators legend now helps out with the club after spending a couple years in Detroit before retiring.

Nicklas Lidstrom, Advisory Board

One of the best defenseman of all-time, Lidstrom is a 7-time Norris Trophy winner, Conn Smythe winner, Stanley Cup champion who had 1142 points in 1564 career NHL games.

Mats Sundin, Advisory Board

Long-time Maple Leafs captain who was the face of the franchise over his NHL career. He didn’t see many successes with Toronto, but did have an incredible international resume playing for Sweden.

Peter Forsberg, Vice President/Team Leader

Ex NHL’er who’s career was unfortunately cut far too short. Forsberg had 885 points in 708 games played, and had he played a full career, he’d probably be in an elite class of players.

November 6th Projection

Forwards:
Daniel Sedin (VAN), Henrik Sedin (VAN), Henrik Zetterberg (DET), Gabriel Landeskog (COL), Mika Zibanejad (OTT), Gustav Nyquist (DET), Jakob Silfverberg (ANA), Filip Forsberg (NSH), Loui Eriksson (BOS), Alex Steen (STL), Nicklas Backstrom (WSH), Patric Hornqvist (PIT), Oscar Lindberg (NYR)

Defense:
Victor Hedman (TB), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (ARZ), Erik Karlsson (OTT), John Klingberg (DAL), Hampus Lindholm (ANA), Niklas Kronwall (DET), Anton Stralman (TB)

Goalies:
Henrik Lundqvist (NYR), Robin Lehner (BUF), Eddie Lack (CAR)

February 9th Projection

Forwards:
Daniel Sedin (VAN), Henrik Sedin (VAN), Henrik Zetterberg (DET), Mika Zibanejad (OTT), Gustav Nyquist (DET), Alex Steen (STL), Nicklas Backstrom (WSH), Marcus Johansson (WSH), Andre Burakovsky (WSH), Alexander Wennberg (CLB), Gabriel Landeskog (COL), Filip Forsberg (NSH), Loui Eriksson (BOS)

Defense:
Victor Hedman (TB), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (ARZ), Erik Karlsson (OTT), John Klingberg (DAL), Adam Larsson (NJ), Oscar Klefbom (EDM), Niklas Kronwall (DET)

Goalies:
Henrik Lundqvist (NYR), Robin Lehner (BUF), Eddie Lack (CAR)

* new additions in italics

Honorable Mentions:
Jakob Silfverberg (ANA), Patric Hornqvist (PIT), Oscar Lindberg (NYR), Calle Jarnkrok (NSH), Elias Lindholm (CAR), Carl Soderberg (COL), Carl Hagelin (PIT), Mikael Backlund (CGY), Mattias Janmark (DAL), Marcus Kruger (CHI), Linus Omark (KHL), Rickard Rakell (ANA), Melker Karlsson (SJ), Patrik Berglund (STL), Hampus Lindholm (ANA), Anton Stralman (TB), Alexander Edler (VAN), Johnny Oduya (DAL), Jonas Brodin (MIN), Niklas Grossmann (ARZ), Toby Enstrom (WPG), Klas Dahlbeck (ARZ), Mattias Ekholm (NSH), Anders Lindback (ARZ), Anders Nilsson (EDM), Jhonas Enroth (LA), Linus Ullmark (BUF), Jonas Gustavsson (BOS)

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November 6th write-up:

Nicklas Lidstrom opened the door for a swarm of young Swedish defenseman that are starting to dominate the NHL from the back-end. Karlsson, Ekman-Larsson, Hedman, Lindholm, and Klingberg are stars on the blue-line. The starting goaltender will be Henrik Lundqvist, although the backup goaltenders could be interesting. Lack and Lehner seem like the obvious other two options.

A few changes in our second projection of the forward group. Additions include Burakovsky, Wennberg, and Johansson. They’ll be replacing Silfverberg, Hornqvist, and Lindberg. There’s solid argument for Lindberg’s inclusion. On the back-end, we swapped Lindholm and Stralman for Larsson and Klefbom based on their 2015-16 performance. Klefbom has spent significant time on the IR, but has proven why Edmonton handed him a lengthy deal. (This kid is the real deal). No changes in goal.

Next: Team Finland

Team Finland

Now we explore the teams that see a combination of NHL and European hockey players. With international rules and ice-size, those European players are usually at a large advantage. Being an NHL held tournament, the representation from players playing internationally will be significantly lower. It wouldn’t be surprising to see 1 or 2 European players at most on the next few teams.

Coaching Staff

Kale Kummola, President (IIHF Vice President)

Matti Nurminen, Executive Director (IIHF General Secretary)

Jere Lehtinen, General Manager

14-year veteran who spent his entire career with Dallas Stars. He played 875 games, scoring 514 points over his NHL career. Had a ton of international experience with Finland during his playing years.

Jarmo Kekalainen, Assistant General Manager (Columbus Blue Jackets GM)

Lauri Marjamaki, Head Coach (SM-Liiga Head Coach)

November 6th Projection

Forwards:
Aleksander Barkov (FLA), Jori Lehtera (STL), Mikko Rantanen (COL), Jussi Jokinen (FLA), Mikael Granlund (MIN), Teuvo Teravainen (CHI), Leo Komarov (TOR), Mikko Koivu (MIN), Teemu Pulkkinen (DET), Valterri Filppula (TB), Joonas Donskoi (SJ), Jesse Puljujarvi (FIN), Erik Haula (MIN)

Defense:
Sami Vatanen (ANA), Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF), Olli Maatta (PIT), Jyrri Jokipakka (DAL), Ville Pokka (CHI), Petteri Lindbohm (STL), Rasmus Rissanen (CAR)

Goalies:
Pekka Rinne (NSH), Antti Niemi (DAL), Tuukka Rask (BOS)

February 9th Projection

Forwards:
Aleksander Barkov (FLA), Jori Lehtera (STL), Mikko Rantanen (COL), Jussi Jokinen (FLA), Mikael Granlund (MIN), Teuvo Teravainen (CHI), Leo Komarov (TOR), Mikko Koivu (MIN), Valterri Filppula (TB), Joonas Donskoi (SJ), Jesse Puljujarvi (FIN), Patrik Laine (FIN), Sebastian Aho (CAR)

Defense:
Sami Vatanen (ANA), Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF), Olli Maatta (PIT), Esa Lindell (DAL), Sami Lepisto (KHL), Julius Honka (DAL)

Goalies:
Pekka Rinne (NSH), Antti Niemi (DAL), Tuukka Rask (BOS)

* new additions in italics

Honorable Mentions:
Teemu Pulkkinen (DET), Erik Haula (MIN), Irko Pakarinen (EDM), Joel Armia (WPG), Lauri Korpikoski (EDM), Tuomo Ruutu (NJ), Kasperi Kapanen (TOR), Ossi Louhivaara (SWI), Juhamatti Aaltonen (KHL), Petri Kontiola (KHL), Teemu Hartikainen (KHL), Janne Pesonen (SWE), Markus Granlund (CGY), Miikka Salomaki (NSH), Joonas Kemppainen (BOS), Roope Hintz (DAL), Jyrri Jokipakka (DAL), Rasmus Rissanen (CAR), Ville Pokka (CHI), Petteri Lindbohm (STL), Anssi Salmela (SWE), Topi Jaakola (KHL), Alex Lintuniemi (LA), Kari Lehtonen (DAL), Antti Raanta (NYR), Karri Ramo (CGY)

November 6th write-up:

10 of the 13 forwards selected should be virtual locks. The debatable forwards might be Donskoi, Haula, Puljujarvi. Jesse Puljujarvi is an interesting one being a highly ranked European skater going into the 2016 NHL Draft. He has World Championship experience and could be playing in the NHL at the beginning of 2016-17. Don’t be surprised if management leans to some international players with success such as Janne Pesonen or Teemu Hartikainen. Not a ton of NHL leadership on this squad, making Barkov and Koivu the possible choices for captain.

The Finnish back-end is a bit thin due to limited options. They’re more likely to go with the seven NHL’ers listed above, although again international success could propel players such as Esa Lindell or Sami Lepisto onto this roster. One thing Finland consistently produces is high-quality goaltenders. Rinne, Niemi, and Rask should be locks for this team, but if Rask continues to fall off the rails, Lehtonen or Raanta could make a case for themselves.

By subtracting Pulkkinen and Haula up-front, we’ve managed to re-create Finland’s star line from the World Juniors. Why not roll with Puljujarvi, Laine, and Aho as your 4th line? Three of those spots on the back-end are interchangeable. The Fin’s have a weak blueline, but could find suitable players across the pond in European leagues.

Next: Team Czech Republic

Team Czech Republic

Assumptions are that Jaromir Jagr will stick around a little longer to represent his country for what could be one of the last times. Making another assumption that Patrik Elias will retire at the end of 2015-16. It’s an international coaching staff, and the Czech’s have had success with some of their KHL players on the international stage. It wouldn’t be shocking to see a couple European players on this team.

Coaching Staff

Tomas Kral, President (Czech Ice Hockey Federation President)

Martin Urban, General Secretary (Czech Ice Hockey Federation General Secretary)

Slavomir Lener, General Manager (Czech Men’s National Team GM)

Jan Cerny, Director of Operations (2014 Czech Olympic Team Manager)

November 6th Projection

Forwards:
Ales Hemsky (DAL), Martin Hanzal (ARZ), Jakub Voracek (PHI), Jiri Hudler (CGY), Michael Frolik (CGY), Jaromir Jagr (FLA), David Pastrnak (BOS), David Krejci (BOS), Ondrej Palat (TB), Tomas Fleischmann (MON), Tomas Hertl (SJ), Tomas Plekanec (MON), Milan Michalek (OTT)

Defense:
Zybnek Michalek (ARZ), Marek Zidlicky (NYI), Roman Polak (TOR), Jakub Kindl (DET), Radko Gudas (PHI), Andrej Sustr (TB), Ladislav Smid (CGY)

Goalies:
Michal Neuvirth (PHI), Petr Mrazek (DET), Ondrej Pavelec (WPG)

February 9th Projection

Forwards:
Ales Hemsky (DAL), Martin Hanzal (ARZ), Jakub Voracek (PHI), Jiri Hudler (CGY), Michael Frolik (CGY), Jaromir Jagr (FLA), David Pastrnak (BOS), David Krejci (BOS), Ondrej Palat (TB), Tomas Plekanec (MON), Tomas Hertl (SJ), Radim Vrbata (VAN), Tomas Fleischmann (MON)

Defense:
Marek Zidlicky (NYI), Roman Polak (TOR), Radko Gudas (PHI), Andrej Sustr (TB), Michal Rozsival (CHI), Michal Jordan (CAR)

Goalies:
Michal Neuvirth (PHI), Petr Mrazek (DET), Ondrej Pavelec (WPG)

* new additions in italics

Honorable Mentions:
Milan Michalek (OTT), Andrej Nestrasil (CAR), Dmitrij Jaskin (STL), Jiri Sekac (CHI), Radek Faksa (DAL), Patrik Elias (NJ), Jiri Tlusty (NJ), Roman Cervenka (CZE), Jiri Novotny (KHL), Vladimir Sobotka (KHL), Dominik Simon (PIT), Jan Kovar (KHL), Martin Havlat (STL), Jakub Zboril (BOS), Ondrej Nemec (KHL), Jan Kolar (KHL), Jakub Nakladal (CGY), Jakub Krejcik (SWE), Marek Mazanec (NSH), Jakub Kovar (KHL), Alexander Salak (KHL)

November 6th write-up:

If Czech management decides to include some international players, the likely names will be Roman Cervenka (ex-Calgary Flames player), Jan Kovar, or Ondrej Nemec. If Elias doesn’t retire, he could swap spots with one of Fleischmann or Michalek. The captaincy could be between Jakub Voracek or David Krejci.

Picking the three goaltenders here is simple, although picking a starter proves a tad difficult. Neuvirth got off to a hot-start in 2015-16 but is a career backup. Mrazek and Pavelec and more likely to fight for the starter role, so it could be a matter of who has the hot hand heading into the tournament.

The only change in the forward group is Radim Vrbata replacing Milan Michalek. Michalek has a slight edge in skill-set, but continues to struggle with health/staying off the IR. There’s a noticeable drop-off after the top four defenders, making those last three slots highly debatable. The same three goaltenders as expected – that shouldn’t change.

Next: Team Russia