The Beijing Winter Olympics are fast approaching in February, and the buzz around who may or may not be selected for their countrys national team has already begun. Rudolfs Balcers is a lock for Latvia, and Timo Meier for Switzerland, but theres plenty of top-end talent to choose from when it comes to the North American national teams.<\/p>\n
In my heart, Jonathan Dahlen and Erik Karlsson make Swedens roster (the Swedish scout has been in attendance for at least one San Jose Sharks game), but part of the fun of the Olympics is speculating who will be called up to represent their country.<\/p>\n
With COVID cases rising, the ever-present risk of injury and the NHL already falling behind schedule with postponed games, its still possible that the league changes their mind and forbids players from participating in the Olympics.<\/p>\n
In fact, the NHLs Board of Governors met on Dec. 9 and 10 to discuss NHL participation in the Olympics, among other docket items. For now, the league is still allowing players to report to their national teams, which means its the perfect time to flex my intuition and give my ideal rosters for the USA and Canada. <\/p>\n
Forwards<\/p>\n
Kyle Connor Auston Matthews* Blake WheelerBrady Tkachuk Patrick Kane* T.J. OshieJason Robertson Vincent Trochek Matthew TkachukAnders Lee Jack Eichel Joe Pavelski<\/p>\n
Defenders<\/p>\n
Seth Jones* Adam FoxJaccob Slavin Brett PesceCharlie McAvoy Alec Martinez<\/p>\n
Goaltenders<\/p>\n
Jack CampbellThatcher DemkoAlex Nedeljkovic<\/p>\n
Forwards<\/p>\n
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Connor McDavid* Mitch MarnerJonathan Huberdeau Sidney Crosby* Nate MackinnonBrad Marchand Patrice Bergeron Mark StoneZach Hyman Steven Stamkos Brendan Gallagher<\/p>\n
Defenders<\/p>\n
Cale Makar Alex Pietrangelo*Mackenzie Weegar Shea TheodoreMario Ferraro Dougie Hamilton<\/p>\n
Goaltenders<\/p>\n
James ReimerJordan BinningtonMackenzie Blackwood<\/p>\n
*denotes confirmed players<\/p>\n
Let us know in the comments what your Olympic roster projections are (and which Sharks players are on your teams).<\/p>\n
No NHL games were scheduled for Dec. 13.<\/p>\n
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Read more: <\/p>\n
San Jose Sharks News: Olympic mens hockey roster projections - Fear the Fin<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Beijing Winter Olympics are fast approaching in February, and the buzz around who may or may not be selected for their countrys national team has already begun. Rudolfs Balcers is a lock for Latvia, and Timo Meier for Switzerland, but theres plenty of top-end talent to choose from when it comes to the North American national teams Continue reading