On Thursday, Hockey Canada announced the first 15 players to represent Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, which begins on May 9. While there is talent on the roster, many have been left off the team, whether that’s by the players’ choice or management’s.
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is Canada’s GM for this tournament. He’s joined by a selection committee of four NHL executives, including Dennis Bonvie, Jason Spezza, Andrew Cogliano and Gregory Campbell, who have assisted Dubas in evaluating and selecting players for the roster.
Some big names who didn’t qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs are not listed on the roster, like Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard and Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos, among others.
Since this isn’t the full team, there is the possibility that these players haven’t made up their minds on participating, but the reality is that they are not on the team currently.
However, for those who are on the team, there are plenty of players who could be on the bubble of making Canada’s Olympic team for February 2026.
Philadelphia Flyers right winger Travis Konecny and defenseman Travis Sanheim both made the 4 Nations Face-Off roster, but will be challenging for Olympic roster spots again. Joining Team Canada for the World Championship helps their case.
Other defensemen, including the New York Islanders’ Noah Dobson, Calgary Flames’ MacKenzie Weegar and Seattle Kraken’s Brandon Montour, also boost their odds to play in the Olympics by participating in this tournament.
Additionally, youngsters Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, along with Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnston of the Columbus Blue Jackets, have also put themselves on the map with an opportunity to represent their country.
In terms of goaltending, Canada has listed Dylan Garand, who hasn’t played a game in the NHL. The 22-year-old netminder plays for the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, the affiliate club of the New York Rangers.
However, with the Montreal Canadiens recently being eliminated from the playoffs, there’s a chance that Samuel Montembeault suits up for Canada at this tournament.
Here are the 15 players selected for the 2025 World Championship:
Forwards:
Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks
Will Cuylle, New York Rangers
Adam Fantilli, Columbus Blue Jackets
Tyson Foerster, Philadelphia Flyers
Barrett Hayton, Utah HC
Bo Horvat, New York Islanders
Kent Johnston, Columbus Blue Jackets
Travis Konecny, Philadelphia Flyers
Ryan O’Reilly, Nashville Predators
Defense:
Noah Dobson, New York Islanders
Ryker Evans, Seattle Kraken
Brandon Montour, Seattle Kraken
Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames
Goaltenders:
Dylan Garand, Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)
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