Key Takeaways:
- Mark Scheifele should be Canada’s first injury replacement at forward due to his impressive performance and versatility.
- The Los Angeles Kings should not make a coaching change yet, despite their current slump, as they have a talented group and their head coach has proven himself in the past.
- Jake DeBrusk is an attractive trade target for contending teams due to his experience, scoring ability, and reasonable contract.
- Connor Bedard and Gavin McKenna are expected to be teammates next season, which could be a turning point for the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Philipp Grubauer has regained his form as a goalie, but it’s too early to declare that his form has truly returned.
Introduction to the Canadian Olympic Roster
The Canadian Olympic roster was recently announced, and while many players were thrilled to make the cut, others were left disappointed. Doug Armstrong had to deliver the tough message to those who just missed out, including Sam Bennett, Connor Bedard, and Matthew Schaefer. However, as history has shown, the roster is not always set in stone, and injuries can lead to changes. This was evident when Thomas Harley was added to the team after injuries and illnesses affected the Canadian blue line. Similarly, Bo Horvat and Tom Wilson’s recent injuries may lead to changes in the roster.
Mark Scheifele’s Disappointment and Potential Opportunity
Mark Scheifele was particularly disappointed to miss out on the roster, calling it a "dark day." However, his performance since then has been impressive, with two goals and an assist against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Scheifele’s versatility, consistency, and ability to play in various roles make him an attractive option as an injury replacement. He has scored at least 20 goals for 11 straight seasons and is on pace for a career-high 98 points this season. If Canada needs to add a forward to the roster, Scheifele should be the first call.
Scheifele’s Competition and Advantages
Scheifele’s biggest competition for a potential opening could be Sam Bennett, who was also left off the team. However, Tom Wilson has outplayed Bennett this year, and unless Wilson needs to be replaced due to injury, it’s unlikely that Canada would turn to Bennett ahead of Scheifele. Scheifele’s advantages include his ability to play centre, on the power play, and kill penalties, making him a valuable asset to the team. His consistency and scoring ability also make him a strong candidate to replace any injured forwards.
The Los Angeles Kings’ Coaching Conundrum
The Los Angeles Kings are currently struggling, having lost eight straight games, and their head coach, Jim Hiller, is facing scrutiny. While it’s tempting to call for a coaching change, it’s essential to consider the context. The Kings have been without their number one goaltender, Darcy Kuemper, for most of this slide, and Hiller has proven himself in the past. The team’s lack of a gamebreaker, such as Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon, also makes it challenging for Hiller to turn things around. Given Kuemper’s return to health, it’s reasonable to give Hiller more time to guide the Kings back up the standings.
Jake DeBrusk as a Trade Target
Jake DeBrusk, a veteran forward, has struggled in his second season with the Vancouver Canucks. Despite this, he remains an attractive trade target for contending teams. DeBrusk has a career-high 28 goals last season and has scored 27 times in 86 career playoff games. His contract is reasonable, and he has several years remaining on his deal, making him a valuable asset for teams looking to add secondary scoring. Contending teams should consider inquiring about DeBrusk, who could provide a significant boost to their lineup.
Connor Bedard and Gavin McKenna: A Potential Dynamic Duo
The Chicago Blackhawks are currently sitting 30th in the National Hockey League, which could increase their odds of getting the first-overall pick and drafting Gavin McKenna. If the Blackhawks were to draft McKenna, they would have a pair of franchise cornerstones in Bedard and McKenna. This tandem could turn the organization around quickly, as seen with other dynamic duos like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, or Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With Bedard expected to return from injury soon, the Blackhawks should be able to climb back up the standings and potentially make a push for the playoffs.
Philipp Grubauer’s Resurgence
Philipp Grubauer, the Seattle Kraken’s goalie, has regained his form after a disappointing start to the season. Grubauer is 7-3-1 with a.920 save percentage and has saved 12.7 goals above expected. While it’s encouraging to see Grubauer performing well, it’s essential to remember that it’s still a small sample size. Grubauer has played well in spurts before, only to come back down to earth. The Kraken’s emergence of Joey Daccord as a quality option in goal means that Grubauer won’t have to carry the workload, which could help him maintain his current level of play. However, it’s too early to declare that his form has truly returned, and more time is needed to assess his performance.