Forecasting the 2022 Olympic hockey rosters

For the first time since 2014, NHL players will be returning to the Olympics. The tournament, which features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL appear watered down. The quadrennial format, in which players compete for their countries, makes the Stanley Cup seem slightly less significant.    

Nine of the tournament’s 12 teams hail from the European continent. In this article I predict the rosters and line combinations for the top half of the field: Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, the US, and Canada. Let’s dive right in.

Russia

Forwards

Ovechkin –Malkin – Kucherov

­Panarin – Shipachayev – Svechnikov

Kaprizov – Namestnikov – Tarasenko

Dadonov – Datsyuk – Radulov

Barbashev, Gusev

Russia might boast the most physically gifted stabled of wingers ever assembled. They’ll shoot and score. The problem lies at center; Russia lacks center depth, however. Evgeni Kuznetsov’s cocaine suspension is a significant blow (pun intended) (Being suspended from the 2022 Olympics for cocaine use in 2019 seems harsh but that’s another issue.)

Alex Ovechkin is the best pure goal scorer in NHL history. Nikita Kucherov is a top 5 player. If he is able to return from his lower-body injury in time, he’s a lock. Evgeni Malkin will center the top line. At 34, he’s not the Top 5 player he once was, but he’s still world-class.

Artemi Panarin is a top ten player, cerebral and smooth. He’ll lead the second unit across from Andrei Svechnikov, who is having his long-anticipated breakout season for the still-undefeated Carolina Hurricanes.

Kirill Kaprizov, who might have some of the best edge work in the NHL, won last year’s Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. Vladamir Tarasenko is looking like his former self—the player Kevin Shattenkirk called the best player he’d ever seen—after a few injury-plagued down seasons. Alexander “The Warthog” Radulov, who may not make this roster, is just a year a removed from an impressive Stanley Cup playoff performance.

Russia’s opponents will need to exercise discipline because the Russian power play will be loaded. On PP1, you’re likely to have Ovechkin and Kucherov on opposing half-walls. On PP2, Ovechkin might just stay out (like he does for Washington), or, he’ll sit for Panarin who will pair with (perhaps) Tarasenko on the opposite half wall.

Russia is fortunate to have high-end scoring talent like Kaprizov, Tarasenko, and Radulov buried in the bottom-six. This will create matching problems for teams lacking comparable depth.

At center, the drop-off from Malkin is abrupt. I’ve listed 43-year-old Pavel Datsyuk as the team’s fourth center. This may be wishful thinking on my part but don’t rule it out—he’s the most distinct talent of his generation and a Russian legend.

Defenseman

Provorov – Zaitsev

Sergachev – Zub

Orlov – Gavrikov

Romanoff – Nesterov

Were Russia to have a strong defensive corps, it could have offset their lack of depth at center. Yet, the “D” are light, too. Russia has never been known for producing high-quality defenseman. Their 2022 roster will reinforce that stereotype.

Ivan Provorov was once one of the highly touted young players in the NHL. He’s no longer held in such high regard, but he’s a capable two-way defenseman renowned for his fitness. Similarly, Mikhael Sergachev, whose shifts length also implies a high fitness level will be a solid top-four D. These two Iron Men will need to push thirty minutes a night.

I’ve included 21-year-old Alexander Romanoff to the roster, which may be premature. 

Goalies

Vasilevskiy

Sorokin

Bobrovsky

Russia has the best goaltender in the world: Andrei Vasilevskiy. They’ll need him. And there’s plenty of quality tenders for Russia to choose from behind Vasilevskiy. Ilya Sorokin has looked fantastic with the Islanders. He’s getting a spot. Semyon Varlamov started the season on the injured reserve, giving Sorkin a window to establish himself in net on the Island—and here on Team Russia. Varlamov gets snubbed. Sergei Bobrovsky, who seems to be finding his elite-level game again in Florida, gets the third slot. Igor Shesterkin gets snubbed, too, despite his strong start with the Rangers.  

Sweden

Forwards

Landeskog – Zibanajed – Nylander

Forsberg – Pettersson – Lindholm

Burakovsky – Backstrom – Arvidsson

W. Karlsson – Eriksson Ek – Rakell

Olofsson, Backlund

Sweden is deep at forward. All four lines can contribute. All four centers are reliable. I’ve snubbed competent players like Adrian Kempe and Carl Hagelin to make room for underrated Andre Burakovsky and Joel Eriksson Ek.

Mika Zibanejad slots in at first-line center over Elias Pettersson—a controversial choice. Zibanajed has been undervalued for too long. He’s one of the game’s most productive centers. He’ll excel with Landeskog making space and retrieving pucks for him. Nylander brings high-end skill to the line.

Filip Forsberg is super slick. He and Pettersson should be able to have fun together. Elias Lindholm is tearing it up in Calgary. This is a second line with a first line feel.  

Sweden has one of the tournament’s best third-line centers in Nick Backstrom. He’s a veteran of international competition and a shoo-in for a letter. Burakovsky is big and skilled. Washington gave up on him prematurely. Arvidsson is an underrated, gritty winger with finishing ability. He’ll excel with such talented linemates.  

W. Karlsson will be on the injured reserve for several weeks, but if he’s healthy in time, he’ll join a capable fourth lines along with Eriksson Ek and Rickard Rakell. I have Rakell making this team. Maybe playing on a better team, with favorable matchups will help him finally unlock his potential.

Olofsson squeaks on as an extra forward. He can add some scoring touch to the bottom-six or jump in as a power play specialist.

Defenseman

Hedman – Klingberg

Ekholm – E. Karlsson

Dahlin – Ekman-Larsson

Andersson – Larsson

Sweden’s D-Corps is arguably the tournament’s best. They’re mobile, composed, responsible, and decorated. Viktor Hedman is a perennial Norris contender. With the exception of Canada’s Cale Makar, John Klingberg might be the game’s best D with the puck at the blue line.

Ekholm is an excellent shut-down guy. Erik Karlsson was arguably the game’s best player just four-five years ago. He says he still is—and so far, this season, his numbers are bouncing back. Oliver Ekman-Larsson was one of the game’s steadiest D for years—a fact obscured by his membership with the Arizona Coyotes. Rasmus Dahlin was supposed to be this generation’s Nick Lidstrom. Playing in Buffalo has extinguished that idea—but maybe Team Sweden can unlock Dahlin’s unique potential.

Rasmus Andersson looks like the real deal. And Adam Larsson is a quality defenseman, Taylor Hall trade aside.

Goalies

Markstrom

Lehner

Ullmark

I’ve got Linus Ullmark making this team. Jacob Markstrom or Robin Lehner could either be the feasible starter. Lehner is used to that sort of ambiguity. Either way, Sweden is solid in net.

Sweden is definitely in the medal hunt.

Finland

Forwards

Laine – Barkov – Rantanen

Terevainen – Aho – Hintz

Puljujarvi – Kotkaneimi – Kapanen

Kiviranta – Granlund – Tolvanen

Armia, Donskoi

Finland has one of the best lines in the tournament. If you had to start a franchise around a single player, Alexander Barkov would be a reasonable pick (after Connor McDavid, perhaps). He’s a stud in all three zones; a more talented version of Anze Kopitar. Mikko Rantanen could be the league’s premier power forward. And Patrik Laine seems to have found his confidence again in Columbus. He’s out with an oblique strain but hopefully he can return with his finishing touch intact.

The second line is dangerous, too. Sebastian Aho is an elite center who already has chemistry with Carolina linemate Teuvo Terevainen. Roope Hintz moves from center to wing so that he can log top-six minutes.

There’s a bit of a drop-off in the bottom-six, however—Finland’s top-six is going to have to carry this team, which I don’t anticipate they’ll be able to do. The bottom six isn’t populated with conventional shut-down guys. I’m curious to see how productive Jesse Puljujarvi fairs without McDavid. Kasperi Kapanen has speed. Eeli Tolvanen is dangerous on the power play. Joel Armia had a nice playoff run with Montreal. Jesperi Kotkaneimi is a smart player, yes. But by the standards of this tournament, this group is not offensively gifted. They’ll be outgunned against Canada, USA, Sweden, Russia.

Defenseman

Lindell – Heiskanen

Vatanen – Ristolainen

Nutivaara – Jokiharju

Hakanpaa – Maata

Miro Heiskanen is the centerpiece of Finland’s D-Corps. He’s one of the smoothest skating defensemen in the world. Look for him to push for thirty minutes a night. His Dallas teammate, Esa Lindell, is a capable defensive player.

But there’s no depth here. Rasmus Ristolainen, nor Henri Jokiharju, are going to be able to contain this tournament’s middle-six forwards like Sidney Crosby, Brayden Point, Elias Pettersson, Artemi Panarin, Vladamir Tarasenko, Jack Eichel, and so on.    

Goalies

Saros

Korpisalo

Raanta

The torch passes from Tuuka Rask/Pekka Rinne to Juuse Saros, who has finally moved from beyond Pekka Rinne’s shadow in Nashville. Finland always seems to have quality goaltending options, and Saros continues the trend. He’s going to get peppered, though.

Finland has enough high-end talent to steal a game, especially if they can get on the power play. But safe money has this team finishing without a medal.  

Czech Republic

Forwards

Vrana – Krejci – Pastrnak

Kubalik – Hertl – Voracek

Palat – Necas – Zadina

Faksa – Zacha – Kase

Chytil, Kovar

The Czech forward unit doesn’t quite have name brand recognition like the rest of the teams on this list. Yet, this is a rather solid group, with four competent lines. They could surprise at Beijing.

Krejci just left the NHL after last season, but he gets the nod for first line center. He looked great dishing to the speedy Taylor Hall in Boston—where he and David Pastrnak played together. Pastrnak, one of the NHL’s best goal scorers, is the crown jewel of this offense. He’ll need to produce for the Czechs to advance. Pasta will have help from Jakub Vrana if he’s healthy. Vrana dazzled after being shipped to Detroit last season.

The second line hinges on the Czechs best center, Thomas Hertl. He’s the engine, flanked by Czech vet, Jakub Voracek—former NHL assist’s leader who can still distribute with the best. Dominik Kubalik scored 30 goals in his first NHL season. He’ll provide the line with finishing touch.

There’s plenty to like in the Czech’s bottom six. Ondrej Palat excels in Tampa’s middle-six. He can be a shut-down guy or a supplemental offensive piece. Martin Necas has been playing top-six in Carolina. Zadina’s supreme skill set has so far been suppressed in Detroit. This is a talented third line that teams may overlook. The fourth line

Defenseman

Kempny – Hronek

Hajek – Gudas

Rutta – Simek

Sustr – Kundratek

This is not a flashy group of D. They won’t drive much offense. But they’re competent, reliable, and may be capable of weathering the storms they’re likely to face. They’ve all got NHL experience.

Goalies

Mrazek

Francouz

Rittich

Mrazek is becoming something of a journeyman, but he can play. I’m expecting him to get the starting nod for the Czechs. He’s capable of getting hot and stealing a game.   

The Czech’s are underdogs here who could play the spoiler. It’s not hard to imagine Pastrnak potting a hat trick on a night Mrazek stands on his head. Don’t count them out. 

USA

Forwards

M. Tkachuk – Mathews – Kane

Conner – Eichel – Pacioretty

Gaudreau – Trochek – Guentzel

B. Tkachuk – Miller – Garland

Pavelski, Larkin

This was the hardest roster to construct. There’s a lot of depth without many clear-cut standouts. US management will have the luxury of exercising preference. They have the depth to decide which type of team they want to construct. I expect the US forwards selections will be agonized over. I snubbed several players: Blake Wheeler, Cam Atkinson, Paul Stastny, James van Riemsdyk, T.J. Oshie, Alex Tuch, Alex DeBrincat, Jack Hughes, Brandon Saad, Brock Nelson, Brock Boeser. All are worthy of inclusion on this roster.  

Mathews is a lock for top center. He’s the NHL’s premier sniper. He’ll have Patrick Kane, USA Hockey royalty, on his wing. Matthew Tkachuk will likely flank the two super stars. Someone has to go get the puck.

If Eichel is healthy in time, he’s going to be the tournament’s second best second-line center (behind Sidney Crosby). Eichel has hockey’s best stride and makes things happen for his teammates. He’ll be flanked by his soon-to-be Vegas teammate, elite finisher, Max Pacioretty. Joining them will be the terribly underrated Kyle Conner, who is just starting to be recognized for his goal scoring ability.

Speaking of underrated, Vincent Trochek makes my Team USA. His numbers are solid. He passes the eye-ball test. He’s an integral part of the NHL’s hottest team (Carolina). He hits. He wins draws. I’m taking him to Beijing. Johnny Gaudreau can set up Trochek and Jake Guentzel, who has proven he’s capable of finishing the opportunities that elite playmakers provide him.

Connor Garland is the most controversial inclusion I’ve made on any roster. He’s legitimate. He’s a honey-badger that will add texture to a simple, grinding fourth line. Something more talented players like Cam Atkinson and James van Riemsdyk won’t be able to do. J.T. Miller gets the nod for his versatility. Brady Tkachuk is an up and comer, difficult to play against.

For extra skaters, Joe Pavelski makes the cut. He may not be the most intuitive choice given his age but Pavelski is coming off of a fantastic season, plays a versatile game, and elevates in playoff situations. Dylan Larkin makes the cut, too. I’m curious to see what he can accomplish with a more talented supporting cast than Detroit provides.

Defenseman

Fox – Carlson

Q. Hughes – McAvoy

Krug – Jones

Slavin – Werenski

Incredible options on defense for the Americans. Adam Fox is the defending Norris winner and the slipperiest player in the league. John Carlson is composed and massive. Quinn Hughes is one of the game’s most talented offensive defenseman. Charlie McAvoy is elite. Seth Jones has already been named to the team—a bold selection given his dip in performance. Regardless, few players of Jones’ stature can move so well. Jacob Slavin is one of the game’s most underrated defenseman. Werenski’s skill set is slightly redundant with so many offensive minded defensemen on the roster, but he makes the cut.

Goalies

Hellebuyck

Gibson

Demko

Connor Hellebuyck is a stud. John Gibson is elite, too. With Team USA, they’ll be playing behind strong centers and defenseman. Either could excel. Hellebuyck, the 2020 Vezina winner, gets the starting nod.

Team USA is the most viable threat to Team Canada’s gold medal bid.

Canada

Forwards

Huberdeau – McDavid – MacKinnon

Marchand – Crosby – Bergeron

Stamkos – Point – Marner

Couturier – O’Reilly – Stone

Tavares, Scheifele

The Canadian forward group should be the most comprehensibly impressive four lines ever assembled in hockey history.

Connor McDavid is the most physically talented player ever. He’ll displace Nathan MacKinnon, arguably the second most physically talented player ever, to the wing. They’ll be accepting dishes from Jonathan Huberdeau, who’s all-world playmaking ability was, until recently, perhaps the league’s best kept secret.

Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron are two-thirds of the NHL’s most effective line, The Perfection Line. Sidney Crosby, his generation’s premier talent, will slot at center to reform the line that dominated the 2016 World Cup. This line will grind, force turnovers, drive possession, and score. And Bergeron is one of the best defensive-forwards ever.

Stamkos is a controversial inclusion on my roster. But he’s looking sharp again in Tampa. He’ll run with Tampa teammate, Brayden Point—who may have the NHL’s best edgework—and slick-winger Mitch Marner. This is a grit-less, pure skill line that probably doesn’t weigh 500 pounds combined.

On the “fourth” line, Canada has the luxury of stacking two Selke winners and the best defensive winger in the game. Sean Couturier, Ryan O’Reilly, and Mark Stone have the capacity to neutralize any line in the tournament. And they’re entirely capable of contributing offensively.

John Tavares and Mark Scheifele are my alternates. Canada is going to have snub some legitimate ballplayers. I’ve snubbed Matt Barzal. Few can skate or stickhandle like Barzal—but he turns the puck over too much. Taylor Hall has been underappreciated his entire career—it’d be nice to see him grab a spot—but it’s a long shot given his production dip. Tyler Seguin could get hot and push for a spot. Logan Couture is leading a resurgence in San Jose but probably won’t crack this roster. I mean, Steven Stamkos might not make the roster and he’s been above a point per game for 14 seasons. Someone deserving is going to be left at home.

Defenseman

Pietrangelo – Makar

Ekblad – Hamilton

Theodore – Pelech

Chabot – Chychrun

Tough choices here. Plenty of snubs: Drew Doughty, Brent Burns, Morgan Rielly, Kris Letang, Jarod Spurgeon.

Makar is the most skilled defenseman in the world. He’s on the squad. Alex Pietrangelo has already been picked. He’ll be a captain. Ekblad is having a year in Florida. The former number one pick looks like he’s fully recovered from last year’s broken leg. Dougie Hamilton is phenomenal in both ends. Weird that he can’t stick anywhere. Shea Theodore is fantastic with the puck. Adam Pelech flies under the radar but is a preeminent defensive player. Thomas Chabot is too smooth to leave off. Jakob Chychrun would be a star if he played anywhere but Arizona.

I’ve selected a young group, which Pietrangelo will lead. No glaring deficiencies here. For my money, the most entertaining D-Corps in the tournament.  

Goalies

Fleury

Price

Kuemper

Reigning Vezina winner, Marc-Andre Fleury gets the nod over Carey Price who has begun this season in the NHL’s alcohol assistance program. Darcy Kuemper nabs the last spot.

Fleury can be a rollercoaster ride, but the ultra-aggressive, ultra-agile net minder can always steal a game. Price is the more composed, technical wizard who will challenge for the starting role, and will remain a great option should the team ever become rattled. This is a very experienced group of net minders.

Canada should win gold. On paper, this is probably the best hockey team ever assembled. Anything can happen in a one-game showdown, but this team is stacked. 

Medal Picks

Gold: Canada

Silver: USA

Bronze: Sweden

The North American teams appear to be pulling ahead of their European counterparts, which the Beijing Olympics should demonstrate. The period of high parity in international hockey (90’s, 00’s) seems to be fading slightly. While European countries are still producing players of the highest caliber, they’re struggling to keep up with the rate at which North American countries are producing high-end talent. (Population size plays a factor, of course). And again, anything can happen in the one and done medal rounds. With the stakes this high, with the parity still respectable. This should again be one of the best tournaments in sports.