Let the debating begin!
All of the rosters for the 2014 men’s Olympic hockey tournament have been released and although the majority of the world’s best players will travel to Sochi many won’t.
While Team Canada and Team USA omissions have certainly garnered the most attention based on the fact they have the deepest talent pools, there were many talented and deserving players from other countries that were left off their nation’s team.
So with that in mind, here are 14 forwards, eight defencemen and three goalies that make up the Ultimate Olympic Snub Squad:
Sportsnet.ca’s 2014 Olympic snub roster
FORWARDS
Bobby Ryan, USA – When Ryan was omitted from the American roster it sent shockwaves through the hockey world. The Ottawa Senators forward has 18 goals this season and his 129 tallies since 2009-10 is second only to Phil Kessel among American-born players over that stretch. If Team USA has trouble putting the puck in the net, the optics of Ryan’s absence will look even worse.
Martin St. Louis, Canada – It’s disappointing St. Louis didn’t get the call for Sochi. He’s a respected veteran who can score, skate. He’s responsible in his own end and on the penalty kill, and he doesn’t take penalties. Considering his teammate Steven Stamkos is on the team and the fact his Lightning GM Steve Yzerman helped put together Team Canada, it’s even more surprising St. Louis was left off.
Joe Thornton, Canada – Is there a better set-up man in the NHL? After 43 games, he’s leading the NHL with 43 assists and his hockey sense is as good as it gets in the offensive zone. In addition to his on-ice skills, he’s a great leader.
Kyle Okposo, USA – Among American-born players, only Patrick Kane has more points than the Islanders winger, who is quietly putting together the best season of his career. He’s tough to handle on the forecheck and his aggression would have fit in well on a rugged American roster.
Logan Couture, Canada – The San Jose Sharks standout is having surgery on his hand, but he would have been ready for the Games. He is undoubtedly one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL.
Alexander Semin, Russia – He’s clearly not having his best season, but Semin has been one of the most talented Russian forwards in the NHL since 2006.
Claude Giroux, Canada – In the off-season the Flyers captain seemed like a lock for Team Canada but a slow start to the season cost him.
Eric Staal, Canada – Many figured the eldest Staal brother warranted a spot on Canada based on his reputation and history rather than his play this season, much like Rick Nash, but the Hurricanes forward was left off the team.
Jiri Hudler, Czech Republic – He’s a plus player on a struggling team like the Flames and he’s got 35 points in 43 games. Big shocker he didn’t make the Czech squad.
Tyler Seguin, Canada – Even though his Dallas teammate Jamie Benn made the team, Seguin has arguably been the Stars’ best player this season.
Radim Vrbata, Czech Republic – Vrbata has quietly put together a solid NHL career and you’d figure he would have fit in well playing alongside his Coyotes teammate Martin Hanzal for the Czechs.
Marcus Johansson, Sweden – His production with the Capitals has fallen off a bit, but he could have flourished in a fourth-line role for the Swedes.
Sean Bergenheim, Finland – The Panthers sniper is one of the more underrated European goal-scorers in the NHL and Finland could have used him.
Jason Pominville, USA – Pominville, a well-rounded player with excellent leadership qualities, could have been used alongside Wild teammate Zach Parise.
DEFENCEMEN
Keith Yandle, USA – Almost as shocking as the Bobby Ryan snub was Yandle’s name not being called. His style would translate to international-sized ice beautifully yet the U.S. decided to go with youngsters Cam Fowler, Justin Faulk and stay-at-home veterans like Brooks Orpik and Paul Martin instead.
Brent Seabrook, Canada – If Team Canada brass didn’t care so much about which way their defencemen shot, the right-handed Seabrook may have cracked the roster, especially when you consider his chemistry with Duncan Keith.
Dustin Byfuglien, USA – Sure, he’s far from the quickest fellow out there, but don’t you think he could have helped the Americans on the power play? His 32 points with the Jets this season (the most of any American blueliner) suggests he would.
Victor Hedman, Sweden – The Swedish defence is absolutely stacked. Still, leaving Hedman, a smooth skater that can chip in offensively and handle business in the corners, off the roster could prove to be a mistake.
Jan Hejda, Czech Republic – The Colorado Avalanche have been a pleasant surprise this season and Hejda has been a solid force on the back end playing with Erik Johnson (who was passed over for a spot on Team USA).
Kris Letang, Canada – Letang is one of the best offensive defencemen out there. His role was essentially filled by P.K. Subban, though.
Sergei Gonchar, Russia – The 2009 Stanley Cup champ has represented his country at the Olympic level in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010. Is he the player he once was? No. But can he bring more to Team Russia than Anton Belov? Yes.
Rasmus Ristolainen, Finland – The 19-year-old was a revelation at the world juniors and there’s no doubt he could have continued that momentum on the big stage, considering Finland is a bit thin on the back end.
GOALIES
Ben Bishop, USA – Statistically he has been the best American netminder in the NHL this season.
Marc-Andre Fleury, Canada – Leads the NHL in wins and could have served as the third-stringer like he did in 2010.
Cory Schneider, USA – Even though he’s not starting regularly with the Devils, he’s putting up better numbers than both Jonathan Quick and Jimmy Howard.
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