Button: Projecting Canada's roster at WJHC - October

Craig Button

TSN Director of Scouting

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NHL rosters have been finalized and with that is the knowledge of which underage Canadian Juniors will start the season in the bigs. 

Congratulations are in order and for the young men starting the season in the NHL, it's the culmination of a life time of dreaming about playing in the NHL. Yes, there's the understanding it may be only for nine games, an audition so to speak - before another reality sets in. 

NHL teams are not so eager to have a year of a player's entry level contract lop off if there isn't certainty, or more of one, about a player's capability to sustain play over the long season. 

For Team Canada, reality of a different kind sets in. How would the team look if all of these players remain in the NHL and are unavailable for the World Junior Hockey Championship? As I wrote in September, it is always a matter of trying to replace skilled, top end, impact players. Teenage goalies are not going to be in the NHL any time in the future, near or long, so Canada has no worries there. 

On defence, Aaron Ekblad appears to be a lock to remain in Florida. A luxury to think about joining the team but a reality that is rooted somewhere around zero. I can't envision a scenario where Darnell Nurse isn't returned to junior - a reality I think is closer to 100. One thing stands out for me about the defence - they have size and they can skate. Returnee Josh Morrissey will anchor the blue line and he will have plenty of help. This will be a group that will defend well, transition well and contribute offence. A well-rounded group that will be a strength of the team.

The forward group could change significantly between now and Christmas. What's clear is that the quality of player starting the season in the NHL is of a very high calibre. Some injuries also begin to factor in. None more so than Sam Bennett, who - if he needs shoulder surgery - would all but guarantee his absence. 

Morgan Klimchuk suffered a broken wrist in training camp, Jake Virtanen is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and Robbi Fabbri was injured in an NHL pre-season game. Jonathan Drouin is a player to 'talk about' as being eligible but his availability seems to be remote. 

Hockey Canada eyes will closely follow the progress (or lack of progress) of Sam Reinhart, Curtis Lazar, Bo Horvat and Anthony Duclair. Those eyes will also be closely following other players as they prepare for all possibilities. Opportunity has opened up and while December seems a long way off, every game becomes important for the players who will be vying for a spot on the junior team. 

'Ghost' rosters will be contemplated over the next weeks for Team Canada's management and coaching staff as the evaluations continue both for the players in junior and in the NHL. 

Either way, play well and you're in. This isn't a new reality for Hockey Canada.

CRAIG BUTTON'S PROJECTED TEAM CANADA - OCTOBER

To be determined - Jonathan Drouin, Anthony Duclair, Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, Curtis Lazar, Bo Horvat