Now that the Bombers have added seven CFL veterans to their roster through free agency, it’s time to take a gander into the future to see what their roster might look like this season.

Specifically, Winnipeg will have a different ratio in 2016 thanks mainly to the addition of running backs Andrew Harris. It’s been a couple of decades since the Blue and Gold had hosers hauling the rock, and as a result they’ll have options now when deciding where to put the rest of their Canucks. CFL rules state each team must have seven Canadians among the 24 starters on offence and defence.

What is set if the season started today is the Bombers will have three Canadian offensive linemen. Left guard Paddy Neufeld, centre Matthias Goossen and right guard Sukh Chungh are the incumbents, and free agent signing Jeff Keeping has been brought in to challenge the starters and provide leadership.

Another certainty is defensive end Jamaal Westerman, the team’s reigning most outstanding player, most outstanding Canadian and most outstanding defensive player. He will keep his starting spot unless he shows up to training camp weighing 420 pounds.

Also, one of the defensive tackle positions could likely be a full-time Canadian spot. One of newly signed Keith Shologan or returnee Jake Thomas could be on the field at all times, meaning Winnipeg would have to find only one more starting Canadian.

There are four other players who would have been considered Canadian starters last season, so Winnipeg could put an import at three of those spots if it so chooses.

Matt Bucknor was a full-time cornerback last season, but he struggled at times and there have been hints the Bombers might be moving Chris Randle from strong side linebacker back to the secondary if his surgically repaired knee allows for it. Since Johnny Adams is already at one corner spot, Randle going back to corner would bump Bucknor. That might also be a product of the Bombers wanting Moe Leggett to remain at strong side linebacker, because they were happy with his play when he replaced Randle after Labour Day. That, however, would require the team to find a new safety since veteran Lin-J Shell wasn’t re-signed. That position is often a Canadian one, so there’s always a chance the Bombers do the same with one of their Canucks who up to this point has been a backup.

Another Canadian who saw significant time on defence and became a lightning rod of criticism from the fans was middle linebacker Sam Hurl, who didn’t play every down and often drew ire for not making enough big plays. The team brass defended Hurl’s play, saying he was too busy getting his nose dirty with offensive linemen most of the time and was actually helping other players make tackles. Another issue with Hurl is he was a part-time player making a salary usually reserved for a full-timer.

The third and fourth Canadian starters last season were receivers Rory Kohlert and Julian Feoli-Gudino, and they didn’t produce enough to warrant them both being among the starting five. Kohlert was the better of the two, making 32 catches for 395 yards and a touchdown. Feoli-Gudino, who played in the slot, made 27 grabs for 266 yards and a major. Winnipeg has second round draft pick Addison Richards in the pipeline, although he had serious hip surgery after the season ended.

All signs point to the Bombers going with one Canadian receiver. The two new North Dakotans, Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith, could combine with Darvin Adams and Clarence Denmark as the team’s four import threats, although there is speculation Denmark could be in trouble given his high price tag and his disappointing 2015 season. If Denmark does become a salary cap casualty, the Blue and Gold right now would likely have to start a pair of Canadian pass catchers unless Justin Veltung or a new prospect comes in and lights it up in training camp.

The Bombers will be in tough to scoop up a starter through the draft, because they don’t pick until ninth and 10th overall, and they have to use at least one of those selections — or maybe both — to add depth to the offensive line.