Connor Bedard’s Role and Goaltender Choice Spark Canada Olympic Roster Debate

The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics has ignited a lively debate regarding Canada’s national hockey roster. On a recent episode of El-Balad’s “The Athletic Hockey Show,” experts discussed potential players for the team. They outlined a roster consisting of 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders. This analysis sparked significant discussions around player roles, sizes, and the mix of experience and youthful talent.

Focusing on Forwards: Celebrini’s Rise

Macklin Celebrini has emerged as a key forward for Team Canada. Initially seen as a candidate on the bubble, his recent performance solidified his place. The panel unanimously agreed on Celebrini’s offensive skills and well-rounded game, which includes top-tier skating and competitive spirit.

Deciding the Bottom Six

The selection of the bottom six forwards was a matter of contention among the panelists. Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner, Sam Reinhart, Brayden Point, and Celebrini secured spots in the top nine. However, selecting the remaining forwards revealed differences in opinion. Players like Mark Scheifele and Nick Suzuki were favored due to their outstanding recent performances.

• Struggles with size were a major concern, especially with the smaller rink in Milan.
• Physicality became essential, pushing candidates like Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, and Tom Wilson into the conversation.

Wilson’s name drew particular attention, with one panelist arguing his high scoring rate and physical style make him a valuable asset. Others expressed caution regarding his discipline, particularly under IIHF rules. Ultimately, the panel leaned towards including Brad Marchand for his energy and work ethic.

Bedard’s Role: Top-Six or Depth Player?

Connor Bedard was a unanimous selection, but his optimal role remains debated. One panelist positioned him in the top six, citing his impressive offensive start this NHL season. Others viewed him as a suitable depth option, suggesting he might serve better as a specialist on the power play. The discussion highlighted the difficulty of placing Bedard above established stars like Reinhart or Marner.

Analyzing the Defense

The defense lineup featured several key players: Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Josh Morrissey were deemed essential. However, contentious opinions arose regarding the final pairings, mainly between defensive specialists and offensive players like Colton Parayko.

• Proponents of Parayko emphasized his size and PK abilities against physical opponents.
• Contrarily, others questioned his puck management skills, arguing it could pose a risk.

Despite the debate, Parayko made the cut alongside injured Shea Theodore. The eighth defensive spot was divided among four players before a compromise led to selecting Travis Sanheim for versatility.

Goaltenders: Merit vs. Experience

The goaltending choices included Logan Thompson, Jordan Binnington, and Darcy Kuemper. The core debate focused on who would start the tournament. Some members advocated for Thompson based on his current form. In contrast, others leaned towards Binnington due to his experience and previous success, despite his inconsistent performance this season.

As Canada prepares for the Olympic Games in Milan, discussions around player selections continue to evolve, shaping the future of their hockey program.