Quoting: jp_harvey
In 4 almost complete NHL seasons, lots of those players won't be as good as they are right now and won't be in TC '22 line-up.
On F : Stamkos, Marchand, Bergeron, Giroux, Toews will all be out. Benn and Tavares will be border line (maybe as 13th and 14th forwards or not even in).
On D : Letang and Reilly won't be in the line-up. Doughty and Subban will be 32, at least one of 'em will have regress a bit and won't be on TC '22.
On G : Price will be 34 by then. He would not be the starting goalie right now (Holtby would), so in 4 years...I'd say he doesn't make the team or 3rd G at best.
If Marner, B.Schenn and Marchessault keeps tearing up the league, they'll be in contention for sure. I can see Horvat & Monahan and their great two-way plays and 4 more years of experience being great on the 4th line as shutdown centerman/wingers for them. Also, don't forget about Huberdeau. Last year was an amazing one for him, and I think he'll establish himself as a true superstar this upcoming season.
On defense, you'll definitely have D.Hamilton in! Also, I can easily see young guys like T.Sanheim, S.Theodore, N.Hanifin, C.Timins, C.Makar making huge strides in the next 4 years to become real solid dominant top 2 D-mens.
In goal, I can see a more experienced T.Demko or C.Hart playing well enough to earn a roster spot on that team.
It's a fun exercice to do! I think you might have undervalued the next 3-4years of developpment for the 19 to 23 years old players and overvalued what veterans can give today in comparison to what they'll give in 4 years. Still, great idea and good job in general ?
I am not sure who you plan on replacing Stamkos, Marchand, Bergeron, Giroux, Letang, and Reilly with? Yes, I do understand that those guys will be 4 years older but most will still be top-level athletes.
Doughty and Subban will not 'regress' at the age of 32. Since when is the regress age 32? Sure, maybe if they were pushing 35 or 36 but these two are elite athletes, as well. D.Hamilton will never be a serious consideration due to his locker room and personality issues. Hanifin is American. I do like your Makar pick though.
It could take Demko/Hart 4 years to establish themselves as a #1 NHL goaltender let alone Canada's #1.
I do believe you are correct when you say that I may have undervalued the development for the next 3-4 years, but there is just too much uncertainty at this point. Hockey Canada has been known to pick experience over youth and with the low amount of high Canadian born draft picks the past two drafts, it tough to pick youth over previous world cup and gold medal winners.
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