Outlook for Sochi 2014 - Part 1

We know the likes of Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin have already declared their intentions to participate in the 2014 winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In their own backyard, Ovie and Gino plan on redeeming themselves and their country after the embarrassing performance in Vancouver. With the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ending after the 2010-11 season, there has been no indication whether or not the NHL will permit NHL players to participate in future Olympic games. But that will not stop the Russians. The response in the US after 2010 has been tremendous. The last time hockey was remotely relevant in the US was the 1994 New York Rangers' Stanley Cup victory where captain Mark Messier famously accepted the cup after getting hit in the funny bone. 

So the big question is, if they let NHL players go to Sochi, can Canada repeat? We know they can dominate on North American soil, but can Canada finally get the donkey off their back and grab the gold on foreign ice?

So what would the team look like in 2014? Here is my opinion on what the team may look like. A few parameters were set in making this group:

1) Only allowed to select players who have been drafted at the very least. (Sorry Taylor Hall)

2) Always keep in mind that they would be playing on international-sized ice.

3) Players remain on the teams they are currently playing for as of 2010.

** Listed as Player's name (age in 2014)

Defence:

Pronger(39)       Boyle(37)

Tyler Myers(24)  Keith Aulie(25)

Weber(28)         Doughty(24)

Keith(30)            Neidermeyer(40)

                         Mike Green(28)

Seabrook(28)

Scratches:

By 2014, both Pronger and Neidermeyer will either be retired or pulling a "Chris Chelios" to see who can beat Gordie Howe's record of playing pro hockey until he was 52 years old. If it is the latter, they will not make the team for obvious reasons: can't keep up, defensive liability, battle with arthritis, etc. Dan Boyle will be the wildcard of 2014. At 37 years old, he may mean to 2014 Team Canada as what Neidermeyer meant to 2010; strong leadership, experience and solid (but not spectacular) skills. If the games were held on North American soil, he would be on the team. However, the larger ice-surface will most likely make him a liability as he will lose a stride or two in four years.

Keepers:

It's a no-brainer that Weber, Keith and Doughty will make the team in 2014. Seabrook is the wildcard. Initially, his selection was based on his established chemistry with another player which was believed to be an advantage, much like Patrice Bergeron (more on him in Part 2). He was suppose to be a top 6 defenseman but fell to the 7th defenseman playing limited minutes. But in four years, while still playing with Keith in Chicago, Seabrook may polish his game to warrant another selection. He may not be an offensive catalysts but can be a reliable stay-at-home defenseman. He's a keeper.

Replacements:

Tyler Myers: The future "Tower of Power." The new generation's Chris Pronger. Canada's version of Zdeno Chara. With potentially on his way to the Rookie of the Year, there is no doubt he will be on the team. At 6'8'', he will cover the larger ice-surface with ease.

Keith Aulie: Sleeper pick. Based on his performance with Myers at the 2009 World Juniors, the possibility of teaming them up again may spell trouble for other nations (watch out Norway!). The only thing that prevents Aulie from making it is the terrible stench of losing he is currently situated in, also known as Toronto.

Mike Green: At 28, he will still be in his prime. In four years, I hope Green improves his much publicized defensive deficiencies. If he does, he is a lock. With the absence of Pronger, Neidermeyer and Boyle, his powerplay abilities will be needed.

Honorable Mentions: Stephane Robidas, Dion Phaneuf, Jay Bouwmeester, Marc Staal, and Kris Letang.

Goalies:

Luongo(34)   Brodeur(41)   Fleury(29)

                    Cam Ward(30)

Scratches:

Brodeur's contract ends in 2012 and most likely will call it a career. If not, his performance in Vancouver clearly signifies a changing of the guard.

Keepers:

The starting spot for 2014 is Luongo's to lose. Based on his age at that point, it will be curious to see if he can hold on to the job or become a glorified backup. One thing is for sure, Fleury will be on his heels to steal the spotlight.

Replacements:

Cam Ward: I was stuck between Ward and Steve Mason but I'm giving the nod to Ward for two reasons. One, he has a Stanley Cup ring. Two, he has a gold and silver medal in the World Championships. Mason is struggling in his sophomore season but will give Ward a run for his money come 2014.

Honorable Mentions: Steve Mason, Brian Elliot 

Later this week: "Outlook for Sochi 2014 - Part 2" where we will take a look at who Canada may have upfront.