James Mirtle's picks

Yes, it’s a cliché, one generally from the NHL’s entry draft, but you have to take the best players available. Forget the specialists, forget the notion of linemate chemistry (unless we’re talking about truly elite D-partners) – just go with the very best Canadian players. And by very best, I mean the very best in recent NHL play and at all elements of the game. Fifteen of the players on my team were taken by everyone else as well, so there’s no controversy there.

As for the differences… the third goaltender is a difficult call, and there are a handful of choices I’d be happy with. Ultimately, Canada’s going to win or lose with Price or Luongo in net, so it makes sense to go with a youngster like Jonathan Bernier, Braden Holtby or James Reimer who will have a chance to play in 2018. Josh Harding is also a fine pick.

On the blueline, my unique choices were Seabrook due to his terrific work with Keith, Vlasic because he’s one of the more underrated defenders in the league and Letang to add some backup skill and speed should any of the primary options like Doughty or Keith get hurt.

Up front, Canada shouldn’t overthink things. Bring as much offensive power combined with defensive acumen as possible, without worrying about who is too young (or old) or too slow or not suited to big ice or whatever. I was the only voter to put Marleau on the team – despite the fact he’s been productive in the NHL year after year, a good two-way player and penalty killer on a great team – and was one of only two who wants to see Thornton and Hall in Sochi. But you add in Giroux, Nash and Sharp to those three and you end up with a really nice mix overall of young and old, goal scorers and playmakers, and just very, very all-around talented players.

In the end, it’s pretty hard to screw up Team Canada if you let the talent win out. And, however you pick, a half dozen very good players are going to be left out.