"Adding to the excitement surrounding NY Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer, today we learned that he has entered the Olympic drug testing protocol, making him eligible among the pool of players to be selected to represent Canada in February's Olympic Games. It's hard to fathom an 18-year-old representing the strongest pool of players among any country in the world, but Schaefer's play to start his career is deserving of the opportunity. But what are his chances of actually making the team?"
"Looking back to the 2014 games in Sochi, the last time NHL players participated in the games, Canada named eight defensemen to their roster. More recently, specifically, last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, which was played under NHL rules, Canada carried seven defensemen, but was able to add Thomas Harley after Shea Theodore's injury. The defensemen named to that team were the aforementioned Harley and Theodore, along with Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, Travis Sanheim, Drew Doughty, and Colton Parayko."
"Of those seven players named to the 4 Nations roster, only Makar, Harley, and Sanheim will be younger than 30 years old, with Sanheim turning 30 a month after the Gold Medal game. Canada may want to inject some youth into their blue line, giving them a better veteran/youth balance, along with giving young players valuable experience, as they could become crucial cogs in the 2030 French Alps squad."
Matthew Schaefer has entered the Olympic drug testing protocol, making him eligible for selection to represent Canada at the Winter Olympics. Olympic rosters can carry up to 25 players and dress 20 skaters per game, allowing roster flexibility. Canada previously named eight defensemen at Sochi 2014 and carried seven defensemen at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, supplementing the group after an injury. Cale Makar has already been named to Team Canada, potentially leaving multiple defense spots available. Canada may seek younger defenders to balance veterans and provide experience for future tournaments. Schaefer could still earn meaningful ice time against weaker opponents or serve as depth.
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