Because the latest wave of elite American talent is only just arriving, some of the nation's best, including Johnny Gaudreau, Dylan Larkin, Jack Eichel, and even Auston Matthews, won't be at the disposal of the U.S. brain trust tasked with preparing a roster for the World Cup of Hockey.

For that reason, the U.S. squad bears resemblance to the fourth-place outfit from the 2014 Winter Olympics, at least when we gaze into our crystal ball.

Here are the 16 players we've pegged for the initial 16-man roster, set for release March 2.

Forwards

Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins

T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals

Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens

Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild

Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks

Bobby Ryan, Ottawa Senators

Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets

No contentious exclusion this time for Ryan, who ranks fourth in NHL scoring among those eligible.

Johnson is the only other forward who didn't represent the United States in Sochi. Though he doesn't rank in the top 200 in scoring this season, he's caught fire over the last month.

Aside from Kane, Pavelski, and Wheeler, this is a group that's largely underachieved. Kessel, Pacioretty, and Parise in particular have seen their production fall off the table this season.

Derek Stepan, James van Riemsdyk, Ryan Kesler, and Kyle Okposo -plus potentially Kyle Palmieri and Nick Bjugstad - are names that could push for the final four spots.

LW C RW Bobby Ryan Joe Pavelski Patrick Kane Zach Parise Tyler Johnson Blake Wheeler Max Pacioretty ?? Phil Kessel ?? ?? T.J. Oshie ??

Defensemen

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets

John Carlson, Washington Capitals

Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes

Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers

Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild

The idiosyncratic Byfuglien is quite appropriately the only American defenseman listed with no international experience. Winnipeg's rover offers a refreshingly distinct style compared to the steady, quiet, and effective brand the other four provide.

The selection of these five defensemen offers room for two transition-style blue-liners. Kevin Shattenkirk, Keith Yandle, Torey Krug, and Cam Fowler merit consideration.

LD RD Ryan McDonagh Justin Faulk Ryan Suter John Carlson ?? Dustin Byfuglien ??

Goaltenders

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils