CRAIG BUTTON'S 2026 TEAM CANADA PREDICTION

We're two years away from the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament but it's never too early to project what Team Canada's roster could look like. TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button projects the squad he envisions representing Canada and who will lead the team as captain.

[@rickybobby1142]

Top quality audio, TSN. My left ear loved this!

[@leemerrifield302]

Two years away. Must be a real busy day at TSN

[@addisonlutvi5666]

Id put Bedard as a wing on the Top line with Mcdavid

[@JoelER78]

absolutely

[@stantheman0091]

Bedard mcdavid Crosby first line vs Latvia lol

[@zeorg]

my left ear enjoyed this vid

[@midgetplant281]

Imagine a Powerplay of McDavid, Crosby, mackinnon, Bedard and Makar💀

[@matthewmiller6987]

Success rate of 95% and its not 100% bc luck could be bad a few times

[@user-qo1gk2kj3e]

Samuel Montembeault

[@jordanstreib3898]

You could put a multitude of players in and out besides Verhaeghe,Hyman,Konecny- Scheifele,Horvat,Thomas,well see if any young players take big step in development or how Celabrini does. You never know Lafreneire,Perfetti,Fantilli ect could take big steps like how Byfield is on roster. Same on Defence Guhle.

[@mjberta7319]

I honestly wouldnt be mad about nugent Hopkins as a potential player as well

[@adambrown423]

Horvat is so damn good at hockey

[@Buckwilder-ws1hq]

Hymen- Mcdavid- Mckinnon Marchand- Crosby- Bedard Stamkos- Point- Marner Barzal- Scheifele- Konecny (Stone, Health?) 1st line- chemistry between mcdavid and hymen could be huge with McKinnon being a righty on RW with his speed with Mcdavid will be special. Unreal forechecking and strong on the puck line as well. (Tempted to put Barzal on LW for fun haha) 2nd line- Marchand and crosby no explanation. Bedard has shown he can play and produce with nobodies plus another 2 years of development he slots on RW as a righty and were he played in world juniors. 3rd line- More LW and C chemistry with a perfect playmaking complement for stamkos with marner. sniper, playdriver and playmaker makes a great match. 4th- line- Tough to make this line but need barzals skating on olympic ice (could switch with hymen). Stone and konecny would be perfect 4th line guys for this team. Toews- Makar Theodore- Dobson Pelech- Weegar Morrissey Hill Binnington Skinner

[@alexcondie7889]

Hyman - McDavid - Bedard Mackinnon - Crosby - Marner Byfield - Point - Reinhart Barzal - Schiefele - Konecny Marchand, Stamkos, Verhaeghe, Suzuki, Konecny, McTavish, Kyrou, Cozens Toews - Makar Theodore - Pietrangelo Power - Montour Dobson, Morrisey, Bouchard, Weegar, Rielly Hill Binner Skinner Jarry, Levi, Ingram, Montembault

[@donaldmcronald3543]

I feel like those d are good, but i think they go in a different direction. The last stanley cup winning d have all been bruisers and i think at a best on best tournament you don't need as much offense from ur d as you do actual defense against the best players in the world.

[@user-qo1gk2kj3e]

Arber Xhekaj

[@jough_no]

Fix audio guys

[@matthewbarry7026]

Almost every video! I dnt understand, the guy uploading these must be 80 years old.

[@HansleyWay]

I think Scheifele could probably in the convo as well...Duchene could be an option also still producing and skating at elite level. Besides that I'm ok with almost the forwards. Hyman is the new version of Kunitz lol I would put someone else still

[@JoelER78]

Maybe, but if McDavid is still playing well with Hyman, then they should probably be on a line together (even consider Nugent-Hopkins depending on how he is doing that year and if he is playing with them)?

[@HansleyWay]

@@JoelER78 100% I'm more confortable with Nuge, but right now without thinking the best option right now is Hyman, but if you dig a bit deeper there is a lot more options that can bring what Hyman brings and much more, skills, size and even speed considering the international rinks. Real talk I'd even try Crosby on the wing with McDavid and Scheifele or Duchene on that 3rd line

[@Sagarsrage]

Goaltending is the only thing that worries me as a Canadian. Otherwise up the middle and on D this team is stacked!

[@matthewmiller6987]

Teams Canada’s goalies don’t need to be great they only need to be good and make the saves they’re supposed to make

[@skyborne80]

Sure Crosby is playing well now, but as we've seen with Ovechkin, father time can seem to hit at any time. Two years away is a long time for a player in their late 30's in hockey terms. But even if there's a significant dropoff between then and now, with his experience and leadership, he could be well suited as a role player on that team if not a scorer.

[@JSnipes-nb7uy]

There was ZERO point saying everything you just said there…

[@skyborne80]

@@JSnipes-nb7uyThen there was zero point in you replying to it, then zero point in me replying to you and so on and so on...

[@spearson103]

@@JSnipes-nb7uy there's zero point to this entire video

[@JaknDax]

Players like Crosby can just play the game without relying on speed. They just know how to play the game with what they got. Not everyone will age like him. Not even Ovie and Geno.

[@Greenfrom3]

​@JSnipes-nb7uy What? He made a comment that was directly related to the video. No KZbin comment is "needed" but yours especially so.

[@SatireAttire]

Bedard Mcdavid Marner (speed, intelligence, unworldly skill) Marchand Mackinnon Reinhart (Best two way line) Verhaege Point Stamkos (Snipers around a great Center) Hyman Crosby Barzal (Greatest fourth line ever assembled, imagine the cycle and forecheck)

[@ryanstaunton421]

Lmao

[@PlebWRLD]

my left ear loved this video

[@davidrichardohara]

I can't wait to see the pros back in the Olympics. Team Canada will have some challenges - especially from the U.S.

[@ADB358]

This is a pretty good projection from Button IMO. I love Weegar being on the team, as he is a versatile physical presence. In two years time McTavish, or Hagel may be better options than Marchand?.

[@rvanleersum]

I'm thinking same, and low-key also wonder if Crosby will still be elite as he remains now, especially on that third line. Not going to be the popular take by any stretch, but Sid will be 39. Suzuki is making a strong case to centre that third line. Right now, no. But then? Shall see.

[@professor10157]

🤨 They talk about Canada's goaltending not being the best. Why wouldn't Mark Andre Fleury be one of Canada's top goaltenders? Fleury is a completely different goalie when playing for Team Canada. Why are Hill, Skinner in there? Because their stats this year makes them the best? Towards the end of prices career he wasn't all that great but still was good enough to win Canada the gold. Mark Andre Fleury ( Flower) should be one of Canada's goalies.

[@tallesttreeintheforest]

"canada US final!!! lets go! the canada US final is gonna be sooo mush fun!", do not underestimate any team in a best on best tournament.

[@derekhammett8634]

If Canada loses this tournament, its because of the goalies. Canada isnt producing goalies like they used too

[@justinwillness3162]

looks like canada isn't producing forwards or defencemen like they used to either. we are just shit now

[@js09js09]

Yes. And the fact that Carter Hart looks to be a no-go will hurt Canada's goaltending.

[@JoelER78]

@@js09js09No, he is not Canada's best goalie...

[@js09js09]

@@JoelER78 He was an option. Not necessarily the best goalie, but a possible option. Canada's goaltending depth is weaker because of his unavailability.

[@Sir_Sydney_live]

I'd put Bedsy on the wing with Sid the middle aged man and Konecny on the 3LW with Suzuki as 4C and Marchy/Barzal as scratches.

[@willgale7187]

Craig Button is sleeeeeeping on Weegar, put some respect on the season he's having

[@kimcokevin]

Canada needs to look at how the US develops goalies, there’s got to be at least 15 who are studs right now.

[@user-qo1gk2kj3e]

Samuel Montembault

[@Kwolf1]

What about Jordan Kyrou?

[@justinwillness3162]

this roster shows how far hockey canada has fallen since the glory days, look at team usa compared to us! we are a joke! we are going to get hammered by the states

[@MrJimArt]

Who will coach team Canada?

[@CT-qu6bh]

Skinner on the roster? Craig Button is giving that guy too much credit.

[@skyborne80]

Maybe so, but honestly, who else is there, lol. Canada has no goalies.

[@CT-qu6bh]

@@skyborne80 Darcy Kuemper. Skinner is too inconsistent. I’m an Oilers fan so I know lol

[@skyborne80]

@@CT-qu6bh Ahh, well who knows. Maybe someone else will emerge too, still got two years.

[@obscurereference6298]

Jarry over Skinner Stamkos over Suzuki rest is fine@@skyborne80

[@kimcokevin]

Jary, Thompson and Ingram are goalies I’d trust more then Skinner. Maybe Montembeault in a couple years will be ready.

[@brendanmatheson3187]

Love the list. But why is Mark Stone not on the list.

[@JimmyJiveJones]

hes on LTIR, will be ready for Olympic playoffs

[@KoolKid_1001]

marner on the 4th line is a crime 💀

[@BausNguyen]

No Darnell Nurse?

[@FilterBySubgenre]

Reinhart and Hyman on the first line, what a laugh, Jesus H Christ, Button and his horrible takes.

[@stug5041]

Every time they do these roster projections it’s a reminder of how far Canadian goaltending has fallen off 😅

[@js09js09]

This video. You only hear music. You can't hear Button.

[@user-tu7dn2wf5y]

Thomas instead of Barzal for extra.

[@jadon3776]

Reinhart and Verhaege higher in the lineup than guys like Marchand, Marner and Barzal is absolute garbage.

[@rvanleersum]

Yeah, Reinhart only is second in scoring to Matthews in the entire league... What was he thinking pairing him with arguably the second best set up guy in the world? And only because Mack is playing the best hockey of his life. You can apply the same logic for Verhaege. Swap Marner for either and who's the shoot first player taking those passes? Also, Marchand lining with Crosby and Konecny makes sense for defensive zone faceoffs and matching opponent's top lines. Good two way play and wingers that have plenty of grit to be a nuisance out there. Marner will be better paired with Byfield and Bedard. He could be the key to the best fourth line there, which is fourth in name only.

[@jadon3776]

@@rvanleersum recency bias, he was hot for 45 games… he hasn’t scored in the last 6. The guy is good no doubt about it but top line finisher with McDavid good? Hell no. pick a guy whos been doing it for years, not the guy riding a hot powerplay for half a season.

[@ADB358]

@776 Marchand will be 37 years old. He already looks slower. Reinhart is bigger, and younger. Reinhart has scored 65 points in Buffalo, in addition to north of 30 three straight seasons. All 4 lines would be elite NHL 1st lines.Unlike overrated Barzal, Reinhart can kill penalties, and take draws. Reinhart is a consistent star. Watch more hockey.

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@rvanleersumMarner will make MacKinnon the Goal Scorer.

[@rvanleersum]

@@LETZGONHLdraft Why would you move a set up man to make another set up man a goal scorer when you can have two lines with an elite playmaker? Four balanced lines is infinitely better. You assume one guy is better overall without taking into consideration their role on said line(s).

[@paullacroix527]

Marner on the fourth line lol.

[@rolieg81]

USA PP1: Hughes's, Tkachuk's....

[@obscurereference6298]

Stamkos will be an extra forward at minimum after getting screwed twice from ever playing.

[@obscurereference6298]

And Jarry over Skinner

[@kevalpatel5925]

Nah, Stammer is pretty cheeks 5v5 and is horrid defensively. Scheifele and Barzy are better extra forwards

[@obscurereference6298]

dude legit deserves to play based on legacy even if he only plays in the round robin@@kevalpatel5925

[@caiogiesbrecht]

I would take Scheifele over Suzuki every day of the week

[@PicklesTurtles-ne6od]

Even with mark being out of his prime by then 33 and nick 27?

[@JoelER78]

@@PicklesTurtles-ne6od yes, at 33 he'll still be excellent

[@albertvanular433]

Give me a break - you have no clue. Suzuki is way way better defensively than Scheifele. Nick plays in all situations from PP to PK to 5v5. Plus Suzuki is younger and he keeps improving offensively. Slick Nick has 10 goals in his last 10 games. Suzuki all day long every day over Scheifele .. and it's not even close.

[@GR1MR34P3R420]

Team Canada head coach Jared Bednar

[@harrykim9914]

Jarry should be picked over binnington and skinner.

[@canada1966]

Hyman on the first? Ouch

[@mjberta7319]

Since his trade to edmonton he's been a reliable and consistent player

[@tonylouie4429]

Crosby might be retired two years from now

[@davidcutler1486]

I know this man is an expert but holy fuck this roster selection is lowkey horrible in my opinion

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

My Lines: Line 1: Bedard-McDavid-MacKinnon. Line 2: Point-Crosby-Marner. Line 3: Verhaeghe-Barzal-Byfield. Line 4: Stamkos-Suzuki-Reinhart.

[@ryanstaunton421]

Lmfao. No marchand? lol funny

[@Theaveragejoehockeyreport]

Too soon to make a lineup. Who's to say Devin Levi doesn't bump one of those goalies out? Who's to say Brandt Clarke doesn't bump out Morgan Reilly per say? Sorry but its too soon to make a lineup. Wait till 2 years from now.

[@markusfreedom2488]

😂🎉

[@vancouverCanucksClips]

USA’s roster looks way better than us

[@js09js09]

USA really does look better. They have better forward depth, better defense, and better goaltending. McDavid, MacKinnon, and Makar are great players, but they can only do so much.

[@vancouverCanucksClips]

@@js09js09 exactly the bottom 6, D and Goalies are undoubtedly stronger

[@jaythompson5102]

Bouchard would be a huge huge mistake.

[@whoistendo]

would love to hear your reasoning

[@jaythompson5102]

@@whoistendo history of boneheaded giveaways in one goal hockey games.

[@Sean.Clancey]

What is with the sound panning in this??? All speech to the left, music to the right? 🤮🤮

[@user-qo1gk2kj3e]

Arber Xhekaj

[@crustynuggets445]

what is this scuffed video

[@saifonlawrence2044]

Skinner in net...hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha

[@kellenc_]

Robert Thomas is better than Suzuki, besides that I agree with your picks

[@albertvanular433]

Totally wrong. Suzuki is far better defensively than Thomas. Nick plays in all situations from PP to PK to 5v5. Plus Suzuki keeps improving every year offensively. He has a better shot and he has scored 10 goals in his last 10 games. Suzuki's 200 foot game is miles ahead of Robert Thomas

[@ozzydo2314]

At 36 years old ovechkin scored 50 goals and 90 points. Hes 38 now, crosbys decline is coming.

[@mrmbr]

This selection is more a reflection of Canada hockey than any selection. Team USA is way stronger

[@jessedu6593]

Terrible

[@9danielman]

Lol this guy doesn't know shit

[@boreddingercity]

Nahh bad take about Crosby being captain, I’d go with mcdavid

[@mjberta7319]

Crosby has more experience especially in a international level

[@hudsongarden4519]

Was the shit music really necessary?

[@js09js09]

Canada will get beat this time by the USA. The USA will have a stronger team from top-to-bottom, and in all three positions.

[@justinwillness3162]

zach hyman should be nowhere near team canada, nevermind the first line. he is slow and shit!

[@Marixa1979]

Let me guess, you're a Leafs fan?

[@johnsnow4544]

What is has to do with being a fan of a team he should not be on Canada first line just because he have a good season playing with mcdavid

[@stupidas9466]

Hyman is one of the fastest skaters in the league. Hardest workers and nicest team first guy too.

[@justinwillness3162]

@@stupidas9466 I can’t take you seriously when you said hymans one of the fastest skaters in the league