The Athletic Hockey Show Building Canada and USA Olympic depth charts
Dec 5, 2025
FloHockey analyst Chris Peters shares his insights on Olympic roster construction for Canada and the US. The group debates which star forwards, like McDavid and Matthews, should make the cut and discusses the importance of chemistry versus pure talent. They scrutinize goaltending choices and defense pairing options, making compelling arguments for both established stars and emerging talents. Unique dynamics emerge as they weigh heavy hitters like Tom Wilson against seasoned players like Marchand, creating an engaging debate for hockey fans!
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Celebrini Has Become A Clear Lock
- Macklin Celebrini is now viewed as an unquestioned lock for Team Canada due to his all-around game and early-season production.
- His world championship involvement and chemistry with veterans like Sidney Crosby solidified his roster spot.
Late-Season Pushes Shape Canada’s Middle Six
- Mark Scheifele and Nick Suzuki forced their way into Canada’s top-nine discussion with late-season play and versatility.
- Scheifele's size and improved two-way game and Suzuki's center capability boosted their cases.
Center Depth Creates A Lineup Puzzle
- Team Canada faces a center-allocation puzzle because many top players can center, affecting lineup balance.
- Managers must prioritize fit and role over labels when slotting elite multi-position players.