Here's how we predict Team Europe's World Cup of Hockey squad will look:
Forwards
Lots of interesting choices for general manager Miroslav Satan as he tries to forge an identity from disparate hockey nations. Lots of talent and jammed up front with Anze Kopitar, Marian Hossa, Marian Gaborik and the emerging Michael Raffl (who had 21 goals for the Philadelphia Flyers last season in just 67 games) and Tomas Tatar (who had a breakout 29-goal campaign for the Detroit Red Wings).
We had Draisaitl, the third overall pick in 2014, as our extra forward, and he'll have a chance to impress with the Edmonton Oilers where he might be moved from his natural position at center to the wing. We also included top Winnipeg prospect Nikolaj Ehlers, although his place could easily go to another youngster, Tobias Rieder, who will get loads of opportunity to make an impression playing for the Arizona Coyotes this season. Mark Dano, Michael Grabner and Mikhail Grabovski could be in the mix, too.
Defensemen
The defense will be a bit top heavy but skilled and blessed with great experience, led by emerging Norris Trophy-worthy Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi, Flyers Swiss D-man Mark Streit, new Los Angeles Kings blueliner Christian Ehrhoff, and perhaps the captain of this team will be former Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara.
There is a preponderance of left-handed shots in this group with only Yannick Weber shooting from the right side. Had Mirco Mueller as the seventh guy pending his evolution in San Jose, but Luca Sbisa and Raphael Diaz could be in the mix, too.
Goaltenders
The continued evolution of Frederick Andersen in Anaheim -- he was excellent early in the playoffs and less so in the latter stages of the Western Conference finals last spring -- will say much about who will earn the starting role with Team Europe and whether this team could really play the spoiler against powers such as Canada, Sweden and the United States.
Jaroslav Halak is a safe option if he stays healthy, and Jonas Hiller has a solid international record too, although he might not even be the starter for the Calgary Flames. Philipp Grubauer is an interesting option as a third guy, and Thomas Greiss and Reto Berra will also have a shot as the third guy.