RealGM

Shoe-Ins:
Patty Kane
Chris Drury
Phil Kessel
Brian Gionta
Brian Rafalski
Ryan Miller
Tim Thomas

Most Likely:
Dustin Brown
Jack Johnson
Erik Johnson
Zach Parise
Scotty Gomez
Paul Stastny
Mike Komisarek
Paul Martin
Ryan Whitney
Rick DiPietro

Maybe:
Jason Pominville
Chris Chelios
Brian Rolston
Erik Cole
Chris Higgins
Bobby Ryan
Ryan Kesler
R.J. Umberger
Keith Tkachuk
Patrick O'Sullivan

Possible:
Peter Mueller
David Booth
Tim Connolly
Joe Pavelski

Now you may look at my list be dumbfounded by some of the groupings, but just look at it from my view. Chelios, a Team USA stalwart surely has been ageless wonder, but I wouldn't say his spot assured with father time creeping up on him and the plethora of young talent; the same goes for Rolston and Tkachuk. I considered downgrading Tim Thomas for the same reason. Additionally I don't think Modano has a shot at making the team. Bobby Ryan on the other hand will only have one NHL season under his belt. Yes he has been great and has tremendous talent, but I can't say without reservation that the lack of experience will not hold him back. Erik Cole is a player who has played nicely for the US in the past, but his game has really fallen off and I don't think he will be on the team because of the aforementioned plethora of talent. I am sure a lot of you will disagree with my list and I am sure I am forgetting people.

Id say most of your most likely (except DiPietro) are shoe ins, along with Bobby Ryan.

I really hope we try and make a young, young team unlike the last squad we put out there. That means guys like Mueller and O'Sullivan hopefully make it

Ryan Whitney = no. I can't stand him. Terrible in his own end. Can't qb a pp for crap.

Dipietro is even an option??

I am trying to think of any other tender that could take that spot. I dont think it should be his simply out of principal. . . but who else could get that job?

Ty Conklin? Scott Clemmensen? Brent Johnson? Craig Anderson?

A healthy DePietro is a good option IMO. You have to remember, just because he's picked, it doesn't mean he'll see playing time. If the U.S go with 3 goaltenders, you'll have 3 solid goaltenders to pick from with the likes of Thomas and Miller as well. Worst case scenerio, DePietro makes the goaltending situation that much more competitive, and pushes the other 2 for the starting spot.

Crowned wrote:A healthy DePietro is a good option IMO. You have to remember, just because he's picked, it doesn't mean he'll see playing time. If the U.S go with 3 goaltenders, you'll have 3 solid goaltenders to pick from with the likes of Thomas and Miller as well. Worst case scenerio, DePietro makes the goaltending situation that much more competitive, and pushes the other 2 for the starting spot.

Agreed, he is better than any of the other options Tim pointed out. Everyone seems to be down on Rick still, he isnt that bad a goalie. I may be higher on him than most, but when healthy he can be very solid.

Well I see no harm in naming DiPietro to the team (same goes for Connolly) because you bank on them being hurt, but this way, if they are healthy, they can play.

Promoting my own guy: What about Wheeler? I think he should be placed in the maybe category. He is young and is in the rookie of the year hunt with Bobby Ryan.

Well he might be in the Calder chase (I think Mason has it locked up provided they make the playoffs), but I really don't think Wheeler will make it. There are just too many more established, highly-regarded, and frankly talented players ahead of him. Wheeler is certainly a talented player, but I don't think he is Olympic material.

I wouldnt mind Wheeler, and i would certainly take him over someone like Cole. USA hockey needs to get young, to get exciting. Last times squad was old and just didnt have it.

Build the team to play together for years.