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Canada's 2026 Olympic Hockey Roster Debated
5 Dec
Summary
- Macklin Celebrini is now a strong, unanimous pick for Canada's Olympic team.
- Debates raged over size, physicality, and veteran vs. young talent for the roster.
- Connor Bedard's usage sparked disagreement among the panel members.
A panel of hockey experts recently debated and constructed Canada's projected depth chart for the 2026 Olympics, revealing key decisions and disagreements. Macklin Celebrini has solidified his position as a unanimous choice, lauded for his mature, well-rounded game that extends beyond offensive prowess. His inclusion highlights a shift from earlier considerations, emphasizing his readiness to drive play against elite competition.
The construction of the forward lines involved significant discussion on balancing size, physicality, and the blend of veteran experience with emerging young talent. While consensus formed around stars like McDavid and MacKinnon, the bottom six sparked debate, with players like Mark Scheifele and Nick Suzuki earning spots. Concerns about the smaller rink size in Milan intensified discussions about physically imposing players.
The defense corps saw locks like Makar and Morrissey, but debates ensued over specialists versus puck-movers, particularly concerning Colton Parayko's inclusion for his penalty-killing abilities. Goaltending selections were finalized with Thompson, Binnington, and Kuemper, though the starter for Game 1 remained a point of contention, with Peters predicting Binnington's likely selection despite recent struggles.
