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The World Cup of Hockey will be back next September in Toronto, prior to the beginning of the 2016-17 NHL season. Scouting for the national teams has already begun, with GMs and coaches announced and the expectations of rosters being set sometime in March. We’ve seen snubs and surprises in the 2014 Olympics, so let’s go over some expected changes in the rosters.

Over the next few months, before the rosters are announced, we’ll take a look at the possible additions and subtractions to the World Cup teams, and how certain countries may look different than what we expect.

NOTE: For a complete outlook on the structure of the teams, please read this article from NHL.com. 

United States of America

Highlights from 2014 include the omission of D Keith Yandle and F Bobby Ryan, both of whom were targets of aggressive comments from GM Brian Burke regarding their play. From being considered a defensive liability to lacking intensity (and spelling skills?), those two garnered the most press for missing Sochi.

2016 should look a little different. Dean Lombardi, currently the GM of the Kings, will be ultimately responsible for putting together the roster, with Burke playing the role of senior advisor. How much input Burke will have will be the question for the sake of Yandle and Ryan’s inclusions on the team, unless those comments were purely for show. Personally, with prior experience and moves and vision like this, I would put Ryan back on the lineup.

Lombardi has already discussed the leadership core for 2016, calling out Ryan Suter, Zach Parise, and Ryan McDonagh to provide guidance to lead Team USA to victory. The trio have been composed and very effective on a national scale, and all have had leadership roles with their respective NHL teams. This insight could help some newcomers to such a large scale.

Newcomers (to the national stage, at least) should include Tyler Johnson, who terrorized most of the NHL last season as part of the famed Tampa Bay Lightning’s “triplets line.” The line was comprised of Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov, who, along with Johnson, were successful for the whole season. Johnson is off to a slow start, as injuries have ravaged the Bolts, but he racked up 72 points last season at only 24 years old. Johnson is a lock to join Team USA.

Other possible newbies to the big stage could include Florida Panthers center Nick Bjugstad, who turned 23 last July and will be eligible to join Team USA and not the 23-and-under Team North America. Bjugstad has two 40-point seasons under his belt with promise of many more. The Rangers very own Chris Kreider could also be an addition to the team, as he brings power, speed and offense; however I think these both will be very dependent on how their 2015-16 seasons unfold.

Potential omissions from the squad that will change what we’ve seen over the past Olympics squads include Ryan Kesler. Kesler had back-to-back 70 point seasons, followed by some diminished production, yet still a high level of efficiency. At 31, and on a poor Ducks squad, Kesler only has 7 points six weeks into the season. Is this natural regression, or is this a reflection of a bad team? Should he turn it around, he could retain his spot, but it’s going to depend on how he’s able to bounce back this season.

Lightning winger Ryan Callahan could also find himself on the outside looking in, as he’s never been a strong offensive threat, rather a tough, battle-in-the-corners type of warrior. With speed and skill seemingly being the focus of the team, Callahan and Blues’ center David Backes may find themselves left out. Both Backes and Callahan have extensive leadership potential, which could provide important veteran skills required to take the team all the way.

Defensively, aside from Yandle’s inclusion, we could see Jets’ physical defenseman Dustin Byfuglien make his first appearance on a national scale at what will be 34 years old. His dominating shot would be a great addition to the team, however, he will need to be careful; his physical play has bordered extremely dangerous more often than not over the past season, and we could imagine that risky play will be extremely frowned upon during this exhibition.

Cam Fowler would be the man on the outside looking in, as he was underwhelming in the 2014 games. Though Carolina’s Justin Faulk was the 7D in Sochi, he has been impressive since and seems to continue to grow. Ultimately, though, I do not think the defense will change from Sochi.

Look for Ben Bishop to take a starting position as USA’s top goaltender, with Jonathan Quick and Cory Schneider to back him up.

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