Canadian Press picks its Team Canada for 2010

Executive director Steve Yzerman and his management staff are scheduled to meet in Calgary later this month to discuss and revise the list of top candidates they're working from. For some reason I’m not really sure of, the Canadian Press has saw fit to do the same. In fact, they actually first did it in March and based on the ‘press release’ below – it appears they plan to revise it every month until the 2010 Olympics start. Well, of course their say is worth little to nothing, but if for no other reason than morbid curiosity, let’s have a look:

Goaltenders

Martin Brodeur (New Jersey): His stock is on the rise after the hot return. We'd start him in Canada's first game if it was played tomorrow.

Roberto Luongo (Vancouver): Appears to be rounding back into top form after a groin injury and some struggles.

Steve Mason (Columbus): The kid has helped Columbus stay afloat and ranks first in the NHL with eight shutouts.

Defencemen

Jay Bouwmeester (Florida): He might not be playing in Florida by the end of this week, but he should be wearing a Team Canada uniform next year. Speed and experience are his prime assets.

Mike Green (Washington): A record eight-game goal-scoring streak in February has only improved his stock. Green could score 30 this season.

Dan Boyle (San Jose): Consistently logs more than 25 minutes a game for one of the top teams in the NHL. That won't hurt his chances.

Shea Weber (Nashville): Has been hot after ending a recent offensive drought. One of the main reasons the Predators are still in the playoff hunt.

Chris Pronger (Anaheim): We view his veteran presence as a benefit to the group. He's a workhorse.

Duncan Keith (Chicago): Quietly having another solid season in the Windy City. Brings a nice mix of defensive responsibility and offensive ability.

Dion Phaneuf (Calgary): His minus-8 rating for the division-leading Flames is worrisome. We'll be keeping a close eye on him before picking the team again in April.

Forwards

Jarome Iginla (Calgary): Has been playing some inspired hockey of late. They can start engraving his name on a nameplate for Team Canada's locker-room now.

Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay): Still performing at a high level during another tough season in Tampa.

Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh): Could be a candidate for a move to the wing. Would look good on a top line with Iginla and Lecavalier.

Rick Nash (Columbus): The big winger's comfort with the international game is a big bonus.

Dany Heatley (Ottawa): Looks to be on the way to another 40-goal season in Ottawa. Heatley will be one of the main guys who'll need to score in Vancouver.

Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim): Has really come into his own the past two seasons. On the way to another career year.

Jeff Carter (Philadelphia): Still the leading goal-scorer among Canadian-born players this season.

Joe Thornton (San Jose): Skilled in the faceoff circle and creative in the offensive zone. It's hard to imagine him being left off.

Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay): There's enough size among this forward group to make room for the small - and skilled - St. Louis. He's been great since early January.

Mike Richards (Philadelphia): Will do whatever is asked of him. And he'll do it well.

Shane Doan (Phoenix): A prototype of the kind of player who can fill the necessary checking duty.

Simon Gagne (Philadelphia): The forward with the most tenuous hold on his position with our team. Past experience gives him the edge over some others.

Jonathan Toews (Chicago): We still like his versatility in a 13th forward role. The youngster has 10 goals over his last 10 games with the Blackhawks.

Bubble Players

G Marty Turco, D Robyn Regehr, D Drew Doughty, F Patrick Marleau, F Marc Savard, F Corey Perry.

I’d actually suggest it is a pretty solid list, with a few notable what-the-hells? I won’t go into the details here because in case everyone else has forgot – IT’S STILL A YEAR A WAY!