Canada Olympic Roster Watch: Suzuki, Celebrini, Bedard, and Other Hopefuls
As Team Canada prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, hockey officials are in the midst of finalizing their roster. After extensive meetings aimed at narrowing the list of potential candidates, the selection committee’s focus is poised to shift from an initial 90 players down to approximately 35. General Manager Doug Armstrong indicated the importance of honing in on top talents to ensure a competitive squad.
Olympic Roster Overview
The final roster will consist of 25 players, a slight increase from the 24 used in the successful 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year. Team Canada is clearly valuing the performance of athletes from the 4 Nations event, as a significant number of those players are expected to return.
Noteworthy Veterans
Veterans Brad Marchand and Drew Doughty are strong contenders for a spot on the Olympic team. At 37, Marchand has had an impressive start to the season, while Doughty, turning 36 in December, continues to lead the Kings in ice time. Their experience and leadership during the 4 Nations were pivotal for the team’s success.
Returning Stars
Several players are likely to be retained from the 4 Nations squad. Notable forwards include:
- Sidney Crosby
- Connor McDavid
- Nathan MacKinnon
- Brayden Point
- Sam Reinhart
Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett are also anticipated to hold their spots due to strong prior performances. Brandon Hagel’s impressive showing at the 4 Nations adds to his chances as well.
Emerging Talent
Among the younger hopefuls, players such as Nick Suzuki, Macklin Celebrini, and Connor Bedard are making strong cases for inclusion. Suzuki has demonstrated remarkable offensive capabilities since leading the Montreal Canadiens to the postseason. Celebrini, who impressed during the World Championship, has continued his momentum with the San Jose Sharks this season.
Additional Roster Considerations
Other players being considered include:
- Mark Scheifele
- Tom Wilson
- Wyatt Johnston
- Robert Thomas
While Johnston’s performance has risen since the previous season, Thomas remains a wildcard who is still viewed favorably despite challenges faced with the St. Louis Blues.
Defensemen and Goalies
The blue line is expected to feature key players like Cale Makar, Thomas Harley, and Devon Toews. While Makar has been recognized since June, the team’s defensive depth will be vital for success. Goalkeeping is another area of intensive competition, with Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembeault as current frontrunners. Potential candidates also include Logan Thompson, Darcy Kuemper, and Stuart Skinner.
Outlook for Team Canada
As the selection deadline approaches on December 31, Team Canada will be evaluating performances closely. With a blend of experienced veterans and dynamic younger players, the pressure is building to finalize a winning roster for the Milano Cortina Games.
