Joined: Jun. 2022
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 965
First of all, great job; these things are so hard to do. Too many good players to consider, besides just skill; chemistry and fit become hard to separate.
If Kreider doesn't make this team due to age in 2 years then Kane/Carlson/McDonagh would probably not be on the squad either as they are all older and have past their "peak"; whereas Kreider just hit his.
Similarly, one could easily argue that Jake Oettinger should make the squad over either Hellebuyck or Gibson in 2 years. Swayman could even be challenging for the 3rd spot by then too.
Sean Couturier should be on this squad assuming his back injury heals up; JT Miller (vs Larkin?) and Jacob Trouba (vs Jones?) in the mix as well. There are some great options that are on the fringe as well: Ryan Hartman, Clayton Keller, Bryan Rust, Andrew Copp, Vincent Trocheck, Tony DeAngelo, Noah Hanifin, Justin Faulk, Brock Boeser, Brett Pesce
However it is the kids that are already NHL stars or about to be that make this fun: Josh Norris, Tage Thompson, K'Andre Miller, Matthew Beniers, Cole Caufield, Luke Hughes, Matt Boldy, and Jake Sanderson could blow this whole roster up over the next 2 years too!