Illustration by Sam Ho

This is how we predict Team USA's World Cup of Hockey squad will look:

Forwards

Things are in a bit of a state of flux for the U.S. forwards with Nick Foligno, the highest-scoring American-born player a year ago, off to a ghastly start for the Columbus Blue Jackets, which knocks him off of our shadow squad. Tyler Johnson remains the de facto No. 1 center even though he's banged up and likewise off to a horrid start for the Tampa Bay Lightning. I kept Ryan Kesler as the fourth-line center even though (stop me if you've heard this before) he's off to a poor start with the Anaheim Ducks. And Derek Stepan is out for a month and a half with broken ribs.

There is still lots to like about the skill and competition for spots along the wings. I moved Bobby Ryan onto the roster on the left side even though he's a natural right winger. I similarly love Kyle Okposo's season and put him on the left side, even though he's a right-hand shot.

David Backes is my 13th forward to help with depth down the middle, but Nick Bjugstad could factor in, especially if the Florida Panthers get it together. Although it's hard to imagine finding room for Paul Stastny (injured) and two-time Olympian Ryan Callahan, watch out for Jason Zucker, who is a natural left winger and is having a nice season for the Minnesota Wild. He would add another dose of speed, skill and grit to the forward group.

Will T.J. Oshie and Ryan Kesler be teammates again on the U.S. squad? Martin Rose/Getty Images

Defensemen

Not much movement on the blue line for Team USA from my initial roster projections in September, but that's not because there's a lack of depth. I dropped Cam Fowler to the extra seventh man and added left-handed shot Keith Yandle, who has been part of a New York Rangers team that is the best in the league in goals allowed per game and is top-five in goals scored per game.

But there is keen competition for spots along this deep, talented blue line. Torey Krug will get consideration and is another left-handed shot. I reluctantly dropped Paul Martin off this roster and went back and forth as to whether there was a place for two-time Olympian Brooks Orpik. Erik Johnson is enjoying a solid season in Denver, even though the Colorado Avalanche have struggled. And the steadiness of New Jersey Devils' captain Andy Greene has helped quickly redefine the Devils' personality, as they rank in the top 10 in goals allowed per game.

And finally, what do you do with Dustin Byfuglien, the Winnipeg Jets' high-scoring, big-hitting defenseman? Does he make it as the seventh guy, playing primarily on the power play?

The Rangers' success could improve the odds that Keith Yandle will join Ryan McDonagh on the team. Julio Cortez/AP Photo

Goaltenders

Prospective goalie depth chart No. 1 Cory Schneider No. 2 Jonathan Quick No. 3 Ben Bishop

This is going to be interesting. Cory Schneider has closed the gap on Jonathan Quick and likely lapped Ben Bishop in the pecking order for Team USA. The Devils are overachieving and Schneider continues to be a rock for them. The Lightning's struggles have pushed Bishop down the depth chart, although never count out a guy who took his team to within two wins of a Stanley Cup. Hard to imagine that, barring serious injury, any other goaltender makes a run at these three. If it turns out to be a Schneider-Quick tandem, I'd argue that Team USA would stack up against any of the other seven teams in terms of goaltending depth.