With it seeming Team Canada's world junior team will have six new faces on their back end this year, it is tough to get a firm grasp on what their blueline will look like in Malmo, Sweden.
There, however, is a chance that the Toronto Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly and Minnesota Wild's Matthew Dumba could join Team Canada if their respective teams borrow them out. But that's something that Canada can't really count on.
Here is a look at 10 defenceman in the running for the seven spots on Team Canada's blueline.
Odds-on favourites
Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) - Taking into account Reinhart made the team last year, it seems to be a safe bet that he'll crack them again this year even though he has to serve a 3-game suspension to start the tourney because of a previous IIHF incident. Standing 6-foot-4, 192-pounds, the New York Islanders first rounder is expected to play a shutdown role for Canada as he has for the Oil Kings.
Darnell Nurse, Sault Ste. Marie Grey Hounds (OHL) - It would be a shock to see the Edmonton Oilers first rounder not crack the team. Frankly, it seems he will be their best defenceman. His 6-foot-4, 185-pound stature and chip on his shoulder makes him a prime candidate to anchor the penalty kill. And he possesses the offensive upside to play on the first power-play unit. All signs point to Nurse logging 20-plus minutes a game in Sweden.
Michael Matheson, Boston College (HE) - There is a lot to like about Matheson. The Florida Panthers first rounder has the size, standing 6-foot-2, 189-pounds, offensive upside, scored 25 points in 36 games last year for Boston College, and takes care of things in his own end. So it seems he has pretty good odds of cracking the team. Ultimately, a spot on their back end appears to be his to lose.
In the running
Matt Finn, Guelph Storm (OHL) - The 6-foot, 197-pounder could be a Steady Eddy on the back end. He keeps the mistakes down and can play big roles at both ends of the ice. Albeit his upside isn't as high as some of his competition, the Leafs prospect seems to be a safe player to park in the five-six pairing.
Adam Pelech, Erie Otters (OHL) - The Islanders prospect could play a shutdown role for Canada while making an impact in the offensive zone. He has the defence-first mindset and imposing 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame to be a force in his own end. In addition, he can chip in offensively as he potted 40 points last year in 59 games for Erie.
Josh Morrissey, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) - The 18-year-old is not only one of best offensive defenceman options, but he also would bring leadership to Team Canada's dressing room. He was named the captain of the Raiders after scoring 15 goals and 47 points in 70 games last year and being selected 13th overall by the Winnipeg Jets.
Dillon Heatherington, Swift Current Broncos (WHL) - The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect has built a reputation as one of the top shutdown defenceman in the Dub. He has excelled at clearing the front of the net and winning puck battles along the wall with the Broncos. It will be tough for the 18-year-old to win a shutdown spot up against Nurse, Reinhart and Pelech, though.
Ryan Pulock, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - The Islanders first rounder will be in the running for one of Canada's openings as a puck-moving defenceman. He possesses poise, a slick skating ability and impeccable hockey sense. In addition, Team Canada's history of leaning towards 19-year-olds should work in his favour.
Derrick Pouliot, Portland Winterhawks (WHL) - The Pittsburgh Penguins' first-round pick could be Canada's power-play quarterback. He has thrived in that role for the Winterhawks, scoring nine goals and 45 points in 44 games last year. Ultimately, the Weyburn, SK., native will need to separate himself from one or both of Morrissey and Pulock at the camp to win a job.
Wild card
Haydn Fleury, Red Deer Rebels (WHL) - Familiarity means a lot to coaches; therefore, since Team Canada's head coach Brent Sutter knows Fleury very well with him being his junior coach in Red Deer, that along with a strong camp could earn the 17-year-old a spot. In his second major junior season, Fleury has made a name for himself as a towering (6-foot-3, 198-pounds) blueliner who skates smoothly and can move the puck well.
