Team Canada 2014 as of 2012

It's almost 2 years away from the 2014 Olympics in Sochi Russia and it's time to make a prediction for the Olympic Team, Some returnees and new blood and surprises!

This roster does not include Sidney Crosby just cause of the recent events but obviously if he comes back he's an automatic don't need to explain myself there.

Forwards

Claude Giroux, Milan Lucic, Jeff Carter, Rick Nash, Jonathan Toews, Mike Richards, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Jordan Eberle, Eric Staal, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Patrice Bergeron

New-comers: Giroux is obvious boy has hands and is clutch, Tavares can shoot from anywhere and score, he'll be big on the PP, Eberle, you just know something special is in him and should be well primed by 2014, Lucic, X-Factor and should give Ryan Miller nightmares, Stamkos is going to be playing sniper whoever is there, If Crosby is around lookout.

I debated on Bergeron but he'll be limited again but useful, you can say Getzlaf is struggling but he is still as good as ever and on the international stage he will shine with Corey Perry.

The line of Nash, Richards and Toews will shine again, Jeff Carter will get his chance to dawn the Red and White and be effective and Eric Staal will fill any role and bring leadership.

Defenseman

Shea Weber, Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Marc Staal, Brayden Coburn, Brent Burns and Kris Letang

This is going to probably change 4 times except the first three guys they are locks. Will Letang still be effective enough to crack the roster in two years, same for all these other d-men. Staal is almost a lock but health is hurting chances.

Goaltenders

Roberto Loungo, Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Ward

These first are obvious locks in my mind the intangible will be Cam Ward but if Lou is turned down, Carey Price is there and there's your change... Unless there's a stud from the woodwork there's your four goalies.


Captains, There was 3 assistants in rotation in Vancouver

Assistants: Eric Staal, Mike Richards, Shea Weber

Captain: Jonathan Toews

Coaching Staff

HC Mike Babcock

Babcock looks like a lock, I just don't see any other veterans that fills the role, I see Ruff could be the man but he's never had a super talented team except his Presidents Trophy team in 06 just don't see it happening.

Let's hope Mike doesn't have Pat Quinn syndrome of 02 then crapping the bed in 06 in Turin.

Assistants: Barry Trotz, Lindy Ruff, Guy Boucher

Care to argue these 3? Boucher is intense and if things get heavy he's got the Lemaire trap in his back pocket, Trotz deserves his chance as he's paid his dues.

What would you do different?

e-mail your team to gino.depaoli@xm105fm.com or tweet me @gdp74

I'm Out