NHL rosters have been finalized and with that is the knowledge of which underage Canadian Juniors will start the season in the bigs. Congratulations are in order and for the young men starting the season in the NHL, its the culmination of a life time of dreaming about playing in the NHL. Yes, theres the understanding it may be only for nine games, an audition so to speak - before another reality sets in. NHL teams are not so eager to have a year of a players entry level contract lop off if there isnt certainty, or more of one, about a players capability to sustain play over the long season. For Team Canada, reality of a different kind sets in. How would the team look if all of these players remain in the NHL and are unavailable for the World Junior Hockey Championship? As I wrote in September, it is always a matter of trying to replace skilled, top end, impact players. Teenage goalies are not going to be in the NHL any time in the future, near or long, so Canada has no worries there. On defence, Aaron Ekblad appears to be a lock to remain in Florida. A luxury to think about joining the team but a reality that is rooted somewhere around zero. I cant envision a scenario where Darnell Nurse isnt returned to junior - a reality I think is closer to 100. One thing stands out for me about the defence - they have size and they can skate. Returnee Josh Morrissey will anchor the blue line and he will have plenty of help. This will be a group that will defend well, transition well and contribute offence. A well-rounded group that will be a strength of the team. The forward group could change significantly between now and Christmas. Whats clear is that the quality of player starting the season in the NHL is of a very high calibre. Some injuries also begin to factor in. None more so than Sam Bennett, who - if he needs shoulder surgery - would all but guarantee his absence. Morgan Klimchuk suffered a broken wrist in training camp, Jake Virtanen is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and Robbi Fabbri was injured in an NHL pre-season game. Jonathan Drouin is a player to talk about as being eligible but his availability seems to be remote. Hockey Canada eyes will closely follow the progress (or lack of progress) of Sam Reinhart, Curtis Lazar, Bo Horvat and Anthony Duclair. Those eyes will also be closely following other players as they prepare for all possibilities. Opportunity has opened up and while December seems a long way off, every game becomes important for the players who will be vying for a spot on the junior team. Ghost rosters will be contemplated over the next weeks for Team Canadas management and coaching staff as the evaluations continue both for the players in junior and in the NHL. Either way, play well and youre in. This isnt a new reality for Hockey Canada. CRAIG BUTTONS PROJECTED TEAM CANADA - OCTOBER Forwards Left Wing Centre Right Wing Nicolas Ritchie (Peterborough) Connor McDavid (Erie) Jake Virtanen (Calgary) Max Domi (London) Nic Petan (Portland) Jayce Hawrlyuk (Brandon) Michael Dal Colle (Oshawa) Robby Fabbri (Guelph) Zach Nastasiuk (Owen Sound) Morgan Klimchuk (Regina) Frederik Gauthier (Rimouski) Greg Chase (Calgary) To be determined - Jonathan Drouin, Anthony Duclair, Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, Curtis Lazar, Bo Horvat Defence Left Right Haydn Fleury (Red Deer) Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert) Samuel Morin (Rimouski) Madison Bowey (Kelowna) Travis Sanheim (Calgary) Shea Theodore (Seattle) Dillon Heatherington (Swift Current) To be determined - Aaron Ekblad, Darnell Nurse Goaltenders Zach Fucale (Halifax) Philippe Desrosiers (Rimouski) Eric Comrie (Tri-City) Mason McDonald (Charlottetown) Candidates Left Wing Left Defence Centre Right Defence Right Wing Nick Paul (North Bay) Ben Harpur (Guelph) Brayden Point (Moose Jaw) Roland McKeown (Kingston) Nick Baptiste (Sudbury) Brendan Lemieux (Barrie) Jason Dickinson (Guelph) Chris Bigras (Owen Sound) Jeremy Gregoire (Baie Comeau) Jeremy Roy (Sherbrooke) Cheap Cardinals Jerseys .com) - Quarterback Cardale Jones will return to Ohio State next season. 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