Team Canada has five roster decisions left for the men’s Olympic hockey team before the Dec. 31 deadline, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday.
The management group is still deciding on two forward spots, two defenseman positions, and one goaltender slot.
Macklin Celebrini, Tom Wilson, Nick Suzuki, and Bo Horvat are the most prominent forwards still competing for roster spots. None of these players made February’s 4 Nations Face-Off squad.
Connor Bedard is tied for sixth in league scoring but remains sidelined with an upper-body injury until at least January. He’s trending toward a spot on Canada’s reserve list rather than the main roster.
The defense decisions center around rookie Matthew Schaefer and Evan Bouchard.
Canada’s brass is weighing how both players fit into their Olympic plans.
Goaltending Battle
Four netminders remain in contention for the final roster spot: Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, Darcy Kuemper, and Mackenzie Blackwood.
Binnington has posted the worst statistics among the group this season. However, he started at the 4 Nations Face-Off and maintains a longstanding relationship with both Team Canada and St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong.
That history could work in Binnington’s favor despite his on-ice struggles.
Canada opens Olympic play Feb. 12 against Czechia.
