The Canadian team will be lead by some quality players of all types. There's plenty of high end young talent in players like Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, Adam Fantilli, Dylan Guenther, and Owen Power. There's also a few older, established NHLers like Brandon Tanev, Michael Bunting, Colton Parayko, and even goalie Jordan Binnington. Every other player on the roster is a quality NHL player too, so Canada should be the total favourites to win the tournament this year.
Additionally, the Canadian roster has room to accommodate 3 or 4 more players for when teams get eliminated from the playoffs.
For Oilers fans tuning into the World Championship, you'll see former head coach Jay Woodcroft behind the bench as an assistant coach. Woodcroft spoke recently about looking for his next job in the NHL, and how he doesn't pay attention to the Oilers anymore. Hopefully with a showing here, Woodcroft will be able to attract an NHL job for next season.
Canada will begin play in the tournament on May 11th against Team Great Britain. After that, their schedule will see them play Denmark, Austria, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and then Czechia before the playoff round of the tournament begins.
After this IIHF championship, international hockey with NHL players is making a big comeback. The NHL is organizing a Four Nations Faceoff tournament at the beginning of next season, and has also approved a return to the Olympic Games in Italy. It's great to see the appetite for international hockey see such a resurgence.
POLL | ||
MAI 3 | 116 ANSWERS Team Canada roster announced for 2024 World Hockey Championship Do you watch the IIHF World Championships? | ||
Yes, love international hockey | 60 | 51.7 % |
If nothing else is on | 33 | 28.4 % |
No, never watch | 23 | 19.8 % |
List of polls |