The NHL announced recently that they aren’t able to host the much anticipated World Cup of Hockey in 2024. The event is now scheduled to be held in 2025. However, there is still much uncertainty. With controversy surrounding Russia’s eligibility and the return of Team North America and Team Europe, there are still question marks. With that in mind, we know we will see the likes of Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, and Czechia. These five hockey powers have immense talent pools, and this series will project who we could see suit up for their respective nations.
The final entry in the series comes in the form of the powerhouse Team Canada roster. The Canadians will enter the 2025 World Cup as the heavy favourites in the tournament. Although some teams could give Canada a run for their money, Team Canada will be a formidable opponent to beat. They will boast the best roster in the tournament with a star-studded lineup from top to bottom. Let’s look at the projected Team Canada roster for the 2025 World Cup of Hockey.
Projecting Team Canada Roster
Forwards
J. Huberdeau-C. McDavid-C. Bedard
S. Stamkos-N. Mackinnon-M. Marner
B. Marchand-S. Crosby-J. Tavares
B. Point-N. Suzuki-M. Barzal
HM’s: P. Bergeron, M. Stone, M. Scheifele, J. Kyrou, R. Nugent-Hopkins, D. Cozens
Canada will have the deepest forward group in this tournament, led down the middle by Connor McDavid, Nathan Mackinnon, and Sidney Crosby. An embarrassment of riches down the middle for Team Canada. Not to mention they also have projected top 2023 draft pick Connor Bedard and Jonathan Huberdeau flanking McDavid. Adding Huberdeau’s playmaking and Bedard’s shot on McDavid’s wing could create a nearly unstoppable trio.
Canada also has World Cup of Hockey veterans Brad Marchand, John Tavares, and Steven Stamkos flanking Mackinnon and Crosby. New additions to the squad include Mitch Marner, Nick Suzuki, Brayden Point, and Matthew Barzal. All four bring a good mix of speed, skill, and next-level hockey IQ to the team. Team Canada’s forward group is loaded with top-end talent who will be hard to commit from the team. Although, there are plenty of other high-end forwards with a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot.
Defense
J. Chychrun-C. Makar
S. Theodore-A. Pietrangelo
A. Ekblad-D. Hamilton
HM’s: D. Toews, O. Power, T. Chabot, J. Morrissey, N. Dobson, M. Rielly
Canada has arguably the best defence in the tournament, led by the best defenceman in the world in Cale Makar. The second pair features the Golden Knights duo of Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore, who also should be locks to make the team. Aaron Ekblad, Dougie Hamilton, and Jakob Chychrun round out the defence core. It will be hard to leave these three off the roster, but some honourable mentions may force their way into the lineup.
Rookie Owen Power projects to be one of the league’s best defensemen after being drafted first overall two years ago and inking his entry-level deal this offseason. With the right development, he will be a difficult omission for team Canada. Noah Dobson is another youngster who, with his recent play, will make a strong case for a roster spot. Devon Toews is another interesting name, as his chemistry with Cale Makar may earn him a spot on Canada’s top pairing. Finally, veterans like Thomas Chabot, Josh Morrissey, and Morgan Rielly all have international experience and will be pushing to represent their country once more.
Goalies
C. Hart
D. Kuemper
HM’s: L. Thompson, S. Skinner, J. Binnington, T. Jarry
Goaltending is Canada’s biggest and only potential flaw on the roster. However, with that being said, they still have a solid pool of netminders to choose from nonetheless. 24-year-old Carter Hart is on the right track to becoming Canada’s starter as of now as he’s posting solid numbers on a subpar Flyers team. However, Canada may opt to go with a veteran like Darcy Kuemper if Hart falters. Rookies Logan Thompson and Stuart Skinner have also thrown their names into the mix with solid rookie seasons thus far. However, they will need to prove they aren’t just a flash in the pan to garner the prestigious role as Canada’s starting netminder.
Canada will be icing one of the best teams we’ve ever seen at the 2025 World Cup of Hockey. The team has star power from the top to the bottom of the forward and defence groups. The only potential question mark on the team will be in goal, although they won’t be lacking options. Regardless, this Team Canada roster will be a tremendous challenge for even the best of teams in the tournament. They will enter the tournament as the clear-cut favourites and if they play up to their potential, should easily take this tournament by storm.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
