Key Takeaways
- The Canadian Olympic team’s management group is refining the roster with about five spots still available, including two up front, two on defense, and one in goal.
- Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old defenseman, is still in the conversation for the eighth defenseman spot, along with Evan Bouchard.
- Jordan Binnington’s struggles have raised concerns about his spot on the team, with Logan Thompson, Darcy Kuemper, and Mackenzie Blackwood also in the mix.
- The Los Angeles Kings are receiving calls on Phillip Danault, with several teams interested in acquiring the center.
Introduction to the Canadian Olympic Team Roster
The Canadian Olympic team’s management group is in the process of finalizing the roster, with the deadline for the announcement being December 31. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, there are about five spots still available, including two up front, two on defense, and one in goal. The management group will have another call on Thursday night to discuss the final roster decisions. LeBrun notes that the 4 Nations roster matters a lot to Team Canada, as it serves as a reference point for the Olympic team.
Forwards and Roster Decisions
LeBrun identifies four forwards who have pushed hardest to make the Olympic team: Macklin Celebrini, Tom Wilson, Bo Horvat, and Nick Suzuki. He believes Celebrini and Wilson are likely to make the team, but the decision on Horvat and Suzuki is still uncertain. The management group is also debating whether to take Connor Bedard, who has been impressive despite his injury. LeBrun notes that Bedard is likely to be on the outside looking in but will be part of the reserve group in case of injuries. The team is also considering the dynamics of having Tom Wilson, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand on the same team, and whether they can take two or all three of them.
Defensemen and the Eighth Spot
LeBrun discusses the defensemen, noting that Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old, is still in the conversation for the eighth defenseman spot. Schaefer’s impressive play has kept him in the mix, and LeBrun believes it’s between Schaefer and Evan Bouchard for the spot. However, the team is also considering bringing back all eight defensemen from the 4 Nations roster. LeBrun identifies Thomas Harley, Colton Parayko, and Travis Sanheim as vulnerable to being replaced, given their up-and-down performances this year.
Goalies and Jordan Binnington’s Status
LeBrun addresses the goalie situation, noting that Jordan Binnington’s struggles have raised concerns about his spot on the team. While Binnington is still likely to make the team, the management group is having conversations about his performance. Logan Thompson, Darcy Kuemper, and Mackenzie Blackwood are also in the mix, and LeBrun believes the team will choose between two of these goalies to join Binnington. However, the fact that Binnington’s position is being questioned at all indicates that there are concerns about his performance.
Phillip Danault Trade Rumors
LeBrun discusses the trade rumors surrounding Phillip Danault, noting that the Los Angeles Kings are receiving calls on the center. Despite Danault’s agent stating that he has not requested a trade, the Kings are fielding offers from several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth. LeBrun notes that the Kings are looking for help now, rather than draft picks and prospects, and would prefer a traditional hockey trade. However, it’s unclear whether a deal will be made before the Christmas trade freeze or if it will have to wait until the March 6 deadline.