Are These Hockey Superstars #TeamCanada Or #TeamUSA?
- by Tim Frederick
- – on
- in Sports
For many a year it was the Russians who were Canada's bitter hockey rivals, which lead to the dramatic 1972 Summit Series being played between the two countries. However, the U.S has since supplanted its Cold War rival to become Canada's most heated rival on the ice. Two Olympic gold medal hockey games within an 8-year span will do that, not to mention the always fierce rivalry between the two countries' women's teams, the undisputed top two teams in the world.
With that great hockey rivalry in mind, we're challenging you to pinpoint which side of the hockey divide these 35 NHL players stand on; whether they're #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA. If you know hockey players and watch international competitions, you should have no problem beating this challenge. If not, good luck, you're going to need it. That's because unlike two other random countries, where appearance or names often give away one's place of origin, that's not really the case with Canada and the U.S, aside from French (Quebec) names.
Note that we are only looking for the country where the player was born, not where they grew up or what their official nationality(ies) might be. So get on with it, before the U.S gets it over with and finally joins Canada as its 11th province.
Is Sidney Crosby #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Crosby has become a target of criticism for not refusing to go to the White House in honor of the Penguins' Stanley Cup win. Media and fans have been on Sid's case for not showing solidarity with black athletes, who've earned Trump's ire by protesting against police brutality and racism by kneeling during the singing of the U.S anthem. When not being forced into pointless political brouhaha's, Crosby and the Penguins are gearing up to try and three-peat as Stanley Cup champs, a feat which hasn't been accomplished since 1983, when the Islanders won their 4th in a row.
Is Connor McDavid #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Connor McDavid will look to build on his incredible sophomore season of a year ago, when he torched the league for 100 points, winning the Art Ross and Hart Trophies. McDavid is on the last year of his entry-level contract before the 8-year, $100 million deal that he signed this summer kicks in. While his $12.5 million per year salary will make him the highest paid player in the game, he arguably could've pushed for more, holding back to give the Oilers more wiggle room to build a better team around him.
Is Auston Matthews #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Auston Matthews is set to open the season with Zach Hyman and William Nylander as his wingers, to the surprise of some, who expected new signee Patrick Marleau to take Hyman's place. Nonetheless, Matthews and Marleau will likely skate together on the first power play unit as Matthews looks to repeat or even improve on his outstanding 40-goal rookie season. Matthews has two years left on his entry-level contract, which motivated the Leafs to splurge on Marleau as they try to take advantage of his remaining affordable years.
Is Phil Kessel #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Phil Kessel is coming off an uncharacteristic season, where he turned into more of a playmaker than a scorer, collecting twice as many assists as goals for the first time in his career. His shot output also fell quite a bit, by more than half-a-shot per game. That coincided with some terrible puck possession numbers, as his corsi for % and fenwick for % were both under 48 despite him taking over 63% of his faceoffs in the offensive zone.
Is Zach Parise #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
There is a lot of concern surrounding Zach Parise and his back, which he first injured in early-2016. Parise is again dealing with back issues this preseason, which have kept him out of every game and will force him to miss at least the first 2 games of the season. Even when he's ready to go, there are questions about how effective he'll be, as those back woes clearly hindered his ability to play to his full capabilities last year. With Parise having 8 years left on his contract, Minnesota is crossing its fingers that Parise's best days aren't already behind him.
Is Steven Stamkos #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Steven Stamkos missed most of last season after undergoing knee surgery in mid-November, ending the season with 2 points in 17 games. The 2-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner appears to be healthy and ready to go this year, and will be paired on a deadly line with Nikita Kucherov, who notched 85 points in 74 games last year despite the absence of Stamkos, which included scoring a league-best 17 power play goals. If Stamkos can stay healthy, he could make a run at another 50-goal season.
Is Patrick Kane #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Patrick Kane has more points than anyone in the NHL over the past two seasons; yes, even more than that guy in Pittsburgh. However, this season will be a telling one for Kane, who will be without the services of Artemi Panarin on his line, who is credited with helping Kane take his production to the next level. Panarin was dealt to Columbus in the offseason and it looks like Kane will play with the far less explosive Nick Schmaltz and Patrick Sharp to start the year.
Is Jonathan Toews #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Patrick Kane's loss is Jonathan Toews' gain. Kane's linemate Artemi Panarin was dealt away for Brandon Saad, who instead of replacing Panarin on the Kane line, will suit up with Toews on Chicago's top line instead. That represents a reunion for the two players, who had success together during Saad's first run with the Hawks. After a rather dismal start to last season with just 2 assists in his first 7 games, Toews finished the season strong, scoring 56 points over his next 65 games.
Is Max Pacioretty #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
After playing most of the last few seasons alongside centers David Desharnais, Phillip Danault, and Tomas Plekanec, Max Pacioretty will get a real #1 center this season in new acquisition Jonathan Drouin, which could spell big things for Montreal's captain, who's scored 30+ goals in each of the last 4 seasons. After netting just 2 goals in his first 14 games last season, Patches lit the lamp 33 times over his final 67 games. The Habs' top line looked strong in the team's final preseason game, scoring 3 times.
Is Jack Eichel #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Injuries limited Jack Eichel to 61 games last season, which dampened what was otherwise a breakout year for the sophomore, as he was scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace. Big things are expected this year from Eichel, who was the consensus #2 pick in the 2015 draft behind Connor McDavid. There were rumors this summer that Eichel was close to signing an 8-year extension with Buffalo, which finally happened on October 3, just two days before Buffalo's first game of the season, when he signed an 8-year, $80 million extension.
Is T.J. Oshie #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
T.J. Oshie had the best season of his career last year, potting 33 goals and 56 points in 68 games. While Oshie shouldn't be expected to repeat that kind of goal scoring prowess without a serious increase in shots (he lead the league with a 23.1% shooting percentage, double his career average), he'll again get loads of scoring opportunities being on Washington's top power play unit and playing his even strength minutes alongside playmaker Nicklas Backstrom. Washington signed Oshie to an 8-year deal this summer despite him already being 30.
Is John Tavares #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
John Tavares is on the last year of his contract after not inking an extension with the Islanders this offseason. Should the Isles fall out of the playoff race it's likely the talented center will be dealt at the trading deadline. Tavares will start the season with Jordan Eberle on his right wing, giving him one of the most skilled linemates he's ever had in New York as he looks to return to the point-per-game plateau he reached in both 2013/14 and 2014/15.
Is P.K. Subban #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Like Crosby, P.K. Subban has also been criticized for his stance on the athlete protests sweeping America, stating that he would never kneel in protest during the U.S anthem because of how disrespectful it is. Apparently that wasn't a good enough reason for the "you're with us or you're against us" crowd, who have totally lost the plot regarding the freedom of expression they claim to so valiantly represent. The former Norris Trophy winner is coming off a 40-point season and Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
Is Ryan Suter #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
It was another strong season for Ryan Suter, who led the Wild to a 106-point showing in the Western Conference, though they fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Blues. The Wild were able to swing a deal with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights which allowed them to retain Matthew Dumba, who will pair with Suter this season. Suter has 8 years left on the monster 13-year, $98 million deal that he signed in 2012, the same day that teammate Zach Parise inked an identical deal.
Is Tyler Seguin #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
In addition to old partner Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin looks like he'll have a new winger in the form of Alexander Radulov, giving the Stars one of the most dangerous looking lines in hockey. Seguin and Benn are coming off slightly disappointing years by their standards and will look to bounce back with the addition of the energetic and talented Radulov, who is coming off a 54-point season with Montreal. Seguin has 2 years left on his contract, which he originally signed with Boston. He'll be a highly sought-after free agent in 2019 should Dallas not re-sign him, given that he'll still be just 27 years old.
Is Nathan MacKinnon #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Nathan MacKinnon made the best of a dreadful year in Colorado, where the Avalanche had one of the worst seasons in recent memory under new head coach Jared Bednar. MacKinnon, a former #1 overall pick who entered the league with tremendous fanfare at just 18 years of age, managed 53 points last year to easily lead the Avs in scoring. A lone bright spot was fellow youngster Mikko Rantanen, who scored 20 goals and will join MacKinnon on a line with Sven Andrighetto to start the season.
Is Claude Giroux #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
After a rather disastrous season, longtime center Claude Giroux is being shifted to the wing this year in Philadelphia, as the Flyers try to take some of the defensive pressure off their star. Giroux will play on a loaded top line with Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek as he looks to rebound from a 14-goal, 58-point performance. Early signs from his move to the wing appear to be positive, with him skating well and the Flyers' top line beginning to click.
Is Brendan Gallagher #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Brendan Gallagher will look to bounce back this season after a trying year that saw him put up just 29 points in 64 games, the worst production of his career. He'll be given every opportunity to do so, as he's slated to play on the team's top line with Max Pacioretty and Jonathan Drouin. The 5'9" winger is renowned for his feisty play, as he fearlessly goes to the hard areas of the ice to compete with much bigger men for the puck.
Is Ryan McDonagh #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Ryan McDonagh will get free agent signing Kevin Shattenkirk as his partner this season, creating a dynamic top defense pairing for the Rangers. The Rangers' captain is coming off another impressive season, scoring 42 points, being a +20, and generating 7.8 point shares for the 2nd-straight season. McDonagh has never been worse than a +11 in any season, with his career total standing at +134 in 467 games. McDonagh has 2 years left on his contract at a cap hit of $4.7 million per year.
Is Drew Doughty #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Drew Doughty and the Los Angeles Kings missed the playoffs last season for the 2nd time in 3 years after being perennial contenders for several years and winning 2 Stanley Cups this decade. The fault could not be placed at the skates of Doughty, who had another great season as a follow-up to his Norris Trophy-winning season of 2015/16. Doughty led the NHL in defensive point shares for the 2nd-straight season with 7.2, and scored 44 points. He'll be paired with Derek Forbort on a shut-down defensive pairing.
Is Dustin Byfuglien #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Dustin Byfuglien garnered some Norris Trophy votes for the 5th time in the last 6 years as he remains one of the most potent offensive blueliners in the league. With some of their core getting older (including Byfuglien himself and Blake Wheeler), along with talented youngsters like Patrik Laine, the Jets realize that now is the time for them to make their move. The Jets will hope that Steve Mason is the answer for the team between the pipes after signing him for two years this summer.
Is Jeff Skinner #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Jeff Skinner may be one of the most unheralded young players in the game, with 3 30-goal seasons under his belt already. That comes with playing for a non-contending team in Carolina, but things are beginning to look up for the Hurricanes as they build a strong young core. There are even some whispers that they could be a surprise playoff contender this season. The team, which has been without a captain since Eric Staal was traded, is reportedly considering Skinner and Justin Williams for the honor.
Is Ryan Kesler #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
The news isn't great on the Ryan Kesler injury front, as the winger could be out until Christmas recovering from his offseason hip surgery. Kesler wasn't the same player for the Ducks down the stretch last year, as his ailing hip prevented him from pushing off with the same kind of authority with his right leg. That led to him scoring a lone goal in 17 playoff games, as the Ducks nonetheless made it to the Western Finals. Kesler did have his best season offensively since 2010/11 however, scoring 58 points.
Is Evander Kane #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Evander Kane had one of his best seasons last year, putting the puck in the net 28 times in 70 games. However, his performance still leaves much to be desired given his gigantic contract, which has a $10.5 million cap hit for each of the next 6 seasons. Kane will need to take the next step in his game to have any chance to live up to that deal and be remembered for something other than taking pictures of himself doing pushups with wads of cash on his back.
Is Tyler Bozak #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Trade rumors swirled around Tyler Bozak this summer, which picked up steam when his condo in Toronto was put up for sale. With the Leafs' defense seen as a weakness, it was bandied about that he could be moved for Nick Holden or another defender. However, he remains a Leaf as he opens the season with one year left on his contract. Bozak's coming off a career-best 55 points last year and is slated to center Toronto's second-line with James van Riemsdyk and Mitch Marner, as well as its second PP unit.
Is Chris Kreider #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Chris Kreider posted his best results last season, with 28 goals and 25 assists. However, the Rangers and coach Alain Vigneault are looking for Kreider to take another step beyond that this season, as they express confidence that he can be a top-line player. That's exactly where he'll begin the season, alongside Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich. They'll also be looking for Kreider to improve on his playoff performance of last season, when he managed just 4 points in 12 games.
Is Joe Pavelski #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Joe Pavelski and teammate Joe Thornton will be without longtime partner Patrick Marleau this season, who signed with the Leafs in the offseason. Instead, the dynamic duo may have a sophomore on their left side to open the season, as Kevin Labanc appears to have seized the role with his strong preseason play. Pavelski, who's missed just one game in the last six seasons, put up a typically strong season last year, registering 68 points. His streak of 495 straight games played was ended on the very last game of the season.
Is James van Riemsdyk #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
In addition to Bozak, James van Riemsdyk is another Leafs player on the final year of his contract who was involved in trade rumors this summer. Somewhat surprisingly, the Leafs kept both players and signed Patrick Marleau, putting them in a tricky cap situation considering Matthews and other youngsters will all be getting raises soon. van Riemsdyk had another strong season last year, potting 29 goals and adding 33 helpers. He also played in every game, an important achievement after missing half of the previous year due to injury.
Is Johnny Gaudreau #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Johnny Gaudreau is the defending Lady Byng Trophy winner after racking up a whole 4 penalty minutes in 72 games last year. Despite his "gentlemanly" play, Gaudreau still picked up 61 points in 72 games. Gaudreau and Sean Monahan will again be relied on to carry the offensive torch for the Flames, though they may have a new weapon on the power play in the form of Jaromir Jagr, who just signed a one-year deal with Calgary. It's unclear where Jagr will slot into the lineup, but he could even see some time on the top line with Gaudreau and Monahan.
Is Nick Holden #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Nick Holden was traded to the New York Rangers for virtually nothing in one of the moves that showcased the divide between former Avs coach Patrick Roy and GM Joe Sakic. Holden, whom Roy wanted to keep, ended up having a solid season for the Rangers, putting up career-highs in goals and points with 11 and 34 respectively. Holden is in the final season of his contract and will start the year alongside either Marc Staal or Brady Skjei on the Rangers' 3rd defense pairing.
Is Max Domi #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Max Domi, the son of former NHL enforcer Tie Domi, has established himself as a far more talented player than his pugilist father, with 90 points in 140 games. He appeared to have developed an exciting chemistry with Anthony Duclair, however Duclair struggled throughout much of last year and spent part of the season in the AHL. They'll start this season on separate lines, with Domi on the top line with Derek Stepan and Clayton Keller, while Duclair will suit up on the 2nd line.
Is Brian Gionta #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Brian Gionta remains without an NHL contract as the season nears opening day, which is surprising given his leadership abilities. While he's no longer a top-6 forward, the 38-year-old managed 15 goals and 35 points last year. Gionta is reportedly considering playing in the AHL if he doesn't land an NHL deal, which would allow him to also play in this winter's Olympics in South Korea, which NHL players will not be allowed to attend. Gionta has been the captain of both the Sabres and Canadiens in recent years.
Is Kyle Okposo #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
A move away from John Tavares didn't work out all that well for Kyle Okposo, who fell to just 19 goals and 45 points last year in his first season with the Sabres after signing a rich 7-year deal with the team. Okposo was felled with concussion symptoms towards the end of last season, which appear to have disappeared. With the Sabres hoping to have a breakout season this year, they'll be relying on Okposo to find his scoring punch alongside Ryan O'Reilly.
Is Matt Murray #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
There's no question of who Pittsburgh's #1 goalie is this season. After parting with longtime backstop Marc-Andre Fleury, Matt Murray will be given the reins between the pipes in Pittsburgh. Murray is coming off a tremendous postseason, posting a 1.70 goals against average and .937 save percentage, including shutting out Nashville in the final two games of the Stanley Cup Finals. He appeared in the World Cup with Team North America, getting shelled for 4 goals on 19 shots during a pivotal game against Russia.
Is Brent Seabrook #TeamCanada or #TeamUSA?
Brent Seabrook's contract appears to be a troubling one for the Hawks, who are stuck near the cap ceiling and owe Seabrook nearly $7 million per year for the next 7 years. While Seabrook is a solid defender, the signing was a head scratcher for some fans given Chicago's cap woes, which had already forced them to part with several key players. Regardless, the team appears intent on keeping him in the fold, apparently refusing to discuss moving him this offseason. Seabrook scored 39 points last year.