Now that the NHL is officially on board to send players to the 2014 Olympics, USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen offers his projections on who is likely to be playing for the U.S. team next February:
Goalies: Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings), Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres) and Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings)
Story line: When David Poile named general manager of Team USA, he was very clear that the goaltending choices will be made on the basis of who is playing well at the start of the 2013-14 NHL season. The final selections won't be made until around Christmas. That means Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils) could easily be in the mix or maybe Craig Anderson (Ottawa Senators).
Centers: Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks), Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche), Derek Stepan (New York Rangers) and David Backes (St. Louis Blues).
Story line: Center is a position of concern because the USA doesn't have a dominant No. 1 center like a Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos or Pavel Datsyuk. Don't count out Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks). He is in the mix for one of these spots. Kesler's ability to stay healthy has to be a concern. The Americans could try to think out of the box, like moving Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks). The Americans have more quality wingers than quality centers.
Left wings: Zach Parise (Minnesota Wild), Max Pacioretty (Montreal Canadiens), James Van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Bobby Ryan (Ottawa)
Story line: T.J. Oshie (St. Louis) could be in this mix before the decision is done. It seems likely that the selection committee will consider some players who can add spunk.
Right wings: Kane, Phil Kessel (Toronto), Ryan Callahan (New York Rangers) and Dustin Brown (Los Angeles)
Story line: America's collection of right wings offers a blend speed, skill, grit and toughness. Kane is even more dangerous on the big ice, and Kessel can use his speed to take advantage of the extra 15 feet width on the international rink. Callahan and Brown are locks because they can play at a high level offensively and provide physical play.
Thirteenth and/or 14th forward: Alex Galchenyuk (Montreal) and Jason Pominville (Minnesota)
Story line: Galchenyuk is one of the wild cards in the American program. He is highly skilled, but he is only 19. He demonstrated his potential value by scoring the shootout goal to give the Americans the bronze medal at the 2013 world championships. Don't rule out Blake Wheeler (Winnipeg Jets) getting one of those spots, and the selection committee has plenty of interest in Justin Abdelkader (Detroit) as a guy who could fill the need for a tough, fourth-line energy guy.
Defensemen: Jack Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets), Ryan Suter (Minnesota), Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers), Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes), Paul Martin (Pittsburgh Penguins), Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis), Keith Yandle (Phoenix Coyotes), Erik Johnson (Colorado) and Brooks Orpik (Pittsburgh)
Story line: The American defense is far from settled. Jack Johnson, Suter and McDonagh are locks, and Faulk is close to a lock. But the USA's depth on defense is so strong that that the final four or five spots could be considered a wide-open race. It would be easy to see Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks) making the defensive group. You also have to keep an eye on John Carlson (Washington Capitals). No decision has been made whether to bring eight or nine defensemen. Others could step into contention, but these are the guys with the best chance.
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