Here are six Canadiens players who could play in the Olympics
The 2022 Olympic Games will begin next February in Beijing. Last week, the National Hockey League as well as the Players' Association announced that they have reached an agreement for their players to fly to China to participate in the games.
The last time NHL players participated in the Olympics was in 2014 when Canada defeated Sweden in the grand final in Sochi.
As for the Montreal Canadiens, the last Stanley Cup finalists have a good chance of seeing several of their players fly to Asia in 2022. So here are six Habs players who could earn a spot with their respective countries.
No other choice but to start with Carey Price. The goalie has been simply amazing in the last few playoffs as he posted an impressive 2.28 goals-against average. If the logic is followed, Price will be the starting goalie and it will be Quebec's Marc-Andre Fleury who will be by his side.
The American has been a pioneer of the Canadiens' defense for several seasons now. If Petry is able to have a good start this season, he will certainly catch the eyes of Team USA' members. It must be said that their defense will be extremely strong with big names like Seth Jones, Zach Werenski and John Carlson. Petry could be a great option on the third defensive pair, though.
After a good rookie season overall, the Russian could very well get a chance to represent his country again in 2022. Russia will not have the best defense in the tournament as they seem to have little depth at this level. Romanov was successful when he wore his country's colors as he won the MVP of the World Under-20 Championship.
A big guy with good offensive skills, Joel Armia could be useful in Finland's top nine. The former first-round pick in 2011 has also already had success when defending his country's colors at the World Junior Championship. In the 2013 edition, the Finn had collected 12 points in 6 games. It would therefore not be surprising to see him leave for China in a few months.
A 20-year-old prodigy, Caufield has been a dream for Montreal hockey fans during the Habs recent playoff run. If the American can find success early in the season, it wouldn't be surprising to see US general manager Stan Bowman reward him with a spot on the third or fourth line.
With his above average playmaking ability, there is no doubt that Nick Suzuki has the skills to earn a spot with Team Canada. However, the team's depth on offense could work against Suzuki. But you never know, an injury, a phenomenal start this season, and we could see the Canadiens' number 14 represent his country.
Nothing is decided yet, but several Habs players should have the chance to live the Olympic dream next February. Besides the six players mentioned above, do you see another Canadiens player representing his country at the Olympics?
