Post by Declan on Aug 24, 2009 19:17:24 GMT -5
Original article from: www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/08/22/sp-canada-roster.html
Goaltenders
* Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils — Incumbent starter played only 31 games last season due to elbow injury, turned 37 in May.
* Marc-André Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins — Made one of the all-time great clutch saves to deliver the Cup to Pittsburgh.
* Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks — Nine shutouts in 54 games last season; unfairly ripped for Canucks' playoff loss to Chicago.
* Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets — Rookie of the year led league with 10 shutouts despite being below drinking age in Ohio.
* Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes — Former Conn Smyth winner's big-game reputation grew when he backstopped Carolina into conference finals, shrank when Penguins lit him up.
Defense
* François Beauchemin, Toronto Maple Leafs — Bruiser with a booming shot, but will he be healthy come February?
* Jay Bouwmeester, Calgary Flames — As good as it gets when it comes to durability and workload.
* Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks — At 33, enjoyed a renaissance season as top d-man for Presidents' Trophy winners.
* Brent Burns, Minnesota Wild — Youngster has great size, but his game isn't yet Olympic-calibre.
* Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings — No. 2 overall pick in 2008 showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, but still a work in progress.
* Mike Green, Washington Capitals — World's most dangerous scoring defenceman.
* Dan Hamhuis, Nashville Predators — Not enough offensive ability to crack this lineup.
* Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks — Plus-minus leader is underrated backbone of exciting young 'Hawks team.
* Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks — Might be retired if not for the Olympics, but greybeard can still skate and score.
* Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames — Had an off season, but still one of the game's best two-way threats and a feared bodychecker.
* Chris Pronger, Philadelphia Flyers — Playing in Philly will only make him nastier.
* Robyn Regehr, Calgary Flames — Ultra-defensive minded (0 goals in 75 games last season), may not be rounded enough to make the cut.
* Stephane Robidas, Dallas Stars — Solid vet with almost no chance of making the team.
* Brent Seabrook, Chicago Blackhawks — Surpassed Brian Campbell as the No. 2 d-man in Chicago last season.
* Marc Staal, New York Rangers — Just getting his feet wet for future Olympics.
* Shea Weber, Nashville Predators — One of only three blue-liners to crack 20-goal barrier in 2008-09.
Forwards
* Jeff Carter, Philadelphia Flyers — Wasn't on the radar a year ago, but scoring 46 goals (second-most in NHL) will do that.
* Dan Cleary, Detroit Red Wings — Takes Kris Draper's spot as "best available defensive forward from Wings."
* Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins — Best player from Canada — maybe the world.
* Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes — At least 27 goals for five years running; gotta love a guy who's loyal to the Coyotes.
* Simon Gagné, Philadelphia Flyers — Thirty-four goals says he's recovered from concussion problems that cost him most of 2007-08.
* Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks — Terrific blend of size (6-3, 213) and skill (91 points); fewer penalties would be nice.
* Dany Heatley, Ottawa Senators — Still a threat to score 50, but off-season trade demand was a turn-off.
* Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames — Skilled, smart, tough, respected. Everything you'd want in a captain.
* Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning — Dipped to 29 goals last season, but shoulder surgery may have sapped his strength.
* Milan Lucic, Boston Bruins — Mammoth size and decent hands, but why was he picked over teammate Marc Savard?
* Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks — Thirty-eight goal scorer has something to prove after getting stripped of Sharks' captaincy.
* Andy McDonald, St. Louis Blues — Perhaps the most surprising invitee; a long-shot to make the team.
* Brenden Morrow, Dallas Stars — Hard-nosed captain a force in front of the net; should bounce back fine from November knee surgery.
* Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets — Big winger notched two 40-goals seasons before turning 25.
* Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks — Talented and nasty, would form a fearsome forward tandem with Ducks teammate Getzlaf.
* Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers — Plenty of smart people say he's the best two-way player in hockey.
* Derek Roy, Buffalo Sabres — Slick playmaker getting more disciplined with age.
* Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks — Solid finisher, though not much of a playmaker.
* Ryan Smyth, Los Angeles Kings — Commendable service to Team Canada over the years, but that shouldn't determine selection.
* Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators — Last-minute camp replacement for Getzlaf, who's recovering from surgery.
* Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes — Unconscionably left off 2006 team in midst of a 100-point season.
* Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins — Dangerous short-handed player, but lots of centremen to compete with.
* Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning — Little big man still a point-a-game player.
* Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks — Three-time NHL assists champion makes everyone around him better
* Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks — Fifty-eight NHL goals before he turned 21.