Bedard Schaefer and Doughty Highlight Team Canada Olympic Roster Selections

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Bedard Schaefer and Doughty Highlight Team Canada Olympic Roster Selections

The deadline for Team Canada’s Olympic roster submission is approaching. TSN’s Director of Scouting Craig Button and Hockey Analyst Mike Johnson have released their updated roster selections. Their choices reflect what they would personally select rather than a prediction of official picks.

Key Updates to Team Canada’s Roster

The initial roster included notable players like Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point, Sam Reinhart, and defenceman Cale Makar. However, significant changes have been made.

Connor Bedard has been added after previously being omitted. The Chicago Blackhawks forward is currently among the top scorers in the NHL.
Matthew Schaefer from the New York Islanders and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings have joined as the bottom defensive pairing.

Bedard replaces Edmonton’s Zach Hyman on the forward line, while Schaefer and Doughty take over positions from Thomas Harley and Brandon Montour. Bedard has scored 18 goals this season, ranking fifth in the league.

Line Compositions and Player Statistics

The forward lines have been shuffled considerably:

First Line: Bedard with Crosby and MacKinnon, the last being the NHL scoring leader.
Second Line: Macklin Celebrini, who was the first overall pick in 2024, now plays with McDavid and Reinhart. He ranks third in the NHL with 15 goals and 43 points.
Third Line: Brandon Hagel joins Nick Suzuki and Mitch Marner, with Hagel showing strong performance this season.
Fourth Line: Bo Horvat centers a line with Brad Marchand and Tom Wilson.

Point and Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele are listed as extra forwards. Point’s performance has dipped compared to last season.

Defensive Pairings and Goaltending

Team Canada’s defensive structure has largely remained the same:

Top Defense Pair: Cale Makar and Devon Toews (Colorado Avalanche)
Second Pair: Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg) and Shea Theodore (Vegas)
Third Pair: Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia) and Colton Parayko (St. Louis)
New Bottom Pair: Matthew Schaefer (18 years old) and seasoned veteran Drew Doughty (36 years old)

Schaefer, averaging 23:36 of ice time, has become a prominent figure in the Islanders’ lineup. Doughty brings considerable international experience, including two Olympic gold medals.