Predicting Colorado Avalanche Players at 2016 World Cup of Hockey

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The Colorado Avalanche may not be among the league’s elite right now. Nevertheless, they have a large number of elite players, who may represent their countries at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

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Now, it can be argued that the World Cup of Hockey is just another way for the NHL to make a huge amount of money, while the actual biggest hockey event in the world — the Olympic Winter Games — may lose their appeal all at once, as it is set to lose the participation of NHL players. Well, that is exactly what it is.

Instead of having a qualification tournament and giving every country the chance to participate, the entire tournament will be made up of NHL players. Since not every country has enough players for that, there will be a Team Europe instead.

Is this like a 2000 version of the NHL All Star game, with Team North America and Team World? Pretty much, except Team North America will be the North American Young Stars.

Oh well, all that can be discussed at a different time. Fact is, the tournament is happening, and the Colorado Avalanche will likely see more than a few of their players participating. Let’s take a look.

Next: Team USA

Team USA

Jan 2, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche are an American team — so why don’t we just start with what everybody will be most interested in? Well, here’s the thing: there won’t be any surprises.

Team Canada

As opposed to the Americans, Team Canada had an Avalanche player present at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. First-line center Matt Duchene didn’t make it into the top six on a star-loaded team, but he was there, and he was an important team member of a gold-winning team.

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Out of 17 Canadians on the Avalanche’s roster, he will likely also be the only one with a real shot at making it again. To get there, he will have to improve on his 55-point season in 2014-15, though. As we all know, Canada has so many elite players, Duchene is just one among many — and the team can afford leaving him off the roster.

While it would be a rather big surprise, Tyson Barrie could also have a shot at making it. In the 2014-15 campaign, Barrie was the defenseman (10+ games played) with the highest iCorsi rating in the league — on a terrible possession team. He is one of the best offensive defensemen in the league, which is something that could help any team.

Colorado Avalanche players who will make the roster: —
Colorado Avalanche players on the roster bubble: Matt Duchene, Tyson Barrie

Next: Team Sweden

Team Sweden

Again, we have one rather obvious option — Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. The left wing was an assistant captain for 2014 Sochi finalist Sweden, and is generally one of the team’s best players. Landeskog has represented his country at the 2012 and 2013 IIHF World Championships as well and should be a lock to make it next year.

However, he is not the only option. Coming out of his second full NHL season with the Boston Bruins, Carl Soderberg is poised to step into a bigger role in Colorado. If he succeeds, he may well earn a consideration by his country’s national team as well. Since the 2005 IIHF World Juniors, Soderberg has represented Sweden at minor tournaments, but not at a World Cup or the Olympics.

Soderberg will have to compete with other middle or bottom-six forwards like Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger, Senators center Mika Zibanejad and Ducks left wing Carl Hagelin for a roster spot. If he plays well, it shouldn’t be too hard to sneak by those guys.

Colorado Avalanche players who will make the roster: Gabriel Landeskog
Colorado Avalanche players on the roster bubble: Carl Soderberg

Next: Team Russia

Team Russia

Semyon Varlamov has emerged as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders. He was a huge contributor in the 2014 Central Division title season, and seems to be the only 100 percent consistent player on the Colorado Avalanche roster.

The 27-year-old will have to compete for the starting spot with Sergei Bobrovski, but after his recent performances, he should be the favorite to start. That said, both will have a real shot at being the No. 1, with Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevsky being an option for the third goalie slot.

The only other Russians on the Colorado Avalanche roster are Nikita Zadorov and Mikhail Grigorenko, who were just acquired from Buffalo. However, neither one of them is good enough to make Team Russia.

Colorado Avalanche players who will make the roster: Semyon Varlamov
Colorado Avalanche players on the roster bubble: —

Next: North American Young Stars

Team North American Young Stars

Dec 17, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Avalanche 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Every individual will have to make their own decision on whether or not this whole tournament was a stupid idea. Regardless of the answer (the answer is YES!), the North American Young Stars team will sure be fun to watch. It will probably feature 2015 draft picks Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, as well as their star player — and Colorado’s star player — Nathan MacKinnon.

As the 2013 Calder Trophy winner and very promising player, MacKinnon shouldn’t be surprised when (not if) he makes the team. Other than that, the Colorado Avalanche don’t have any North Americans 23 or younger that seem good enough to make the team. If someone does, that player will surely be more than surprised.

Colorado Avalanche players who will make the roster: Nathan MacKinnon
Colorado Avalanche players on the roster bubble: —

What do you think of the NHL’s World Cup of Hockey and the Colorado Avalanche players that could participate in it? Let us know in the comments!

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