Bedard, Schaefer, Doughty Join Latest Team Canada Olympic Roster

As the December 31 deadline approaches for the final roster submission for the upcoming Olympics, Team Canada is making adjustments. TSN’s Craig Button and Mike Johnson have updated their consensus roster based on recent performances. This roster reflects their choices, not necessarily predictions for the official team.

Key Additions to Team Canada

Among the changes, talented forward Connor Bedard has secured a place on the roster. Previously missing the cut in November, Bedard has shown exceptional skill this season, tying for fifth in the NHL with 18 goals and recording 40 points overall.

Noteworthy Player Changes

• Connor Bedard has replaced Edmonton Oilers’ Zach Hyman on the frontline.
• Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings have joined the defensive pairings.

Schaefer is only 18 years old and ranks third in NHL rookie scoring with eight goals and 22 points in 31 games. Doughty, 36, brings a wealth of international experience, having won two Olympic gold medals along with numerous other accolades. He averages 22:19 minutes of ice time per game.

Team Canada’s Forward Lines

The forward lines also see significant changes. Bedard will skate on the top line with NHL scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon and veteran Sidney Crosby. The second line features Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick from the 2024 draft, alongside Connor McDavid and Sam Reinhart.

Forward Performance Statistics

• Connor Bedard: 18 goals, 40 points in the current season
• Macklin Celebrini: 15 goals, 43 points in 31 games
• Brandon Hagel: 17 goals, 29 points in 29 games

The third line will include Hagel, Montreal Canadiens’ captain Nick Suzuki, and Vegas Golden Knights’ winger Mitch Marner. The fourth line consists of Bo Horvat, Brad Marchand, and Tom Wilson, with Brayden Point and Mark Scheifele designated as extra forwards.

Defensive Pairings and Goaltenders

Defensively, Canada maintains the top three pairings, which feature Cale Makar and Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey with Shea Theodore, and Travis Sanheim alongside Colton Parayko. The new bottom pairing introduces Schaefer alongside the seasoned Doughty.

In goal, the trio of Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper, and Logan Thompson remains unchanged from the November roster. Out of the 25 selected players, 16 previously contributed to Canada’s success at the 4 Nations tournament earlier this year.

The upcoming Olympic Games promise to showcase the talents of these athletes as Team Canada aims for victory once again.