World Championship: Comparing Team Canada and Team USA's Rosters

Team Canada and Team USA’s rosters for the 2023 IIHF men's World Championship came out in the past two days. Ian Kennedy compares the two squads by position.

The 2023 IIHF men’s World Championship is only days away, with the puck set to drop in Finland and Latvia on May 12. Across the Atlantic, Canada and USA named their initial rosters one day apart, with a variety of intriguing names on both.

At an initial glance, Canada appears to have a stronger roster, with more NHL talent bolstering their lineup. The USA’s approach in recent years, however, allows youth to shine at this tournament.

Here’s a look at some of the key comparisons between Canada and USA’s 2023 men’s World Championship rosters.

At this point, Devon Levi is approaching folk hero status. 

After being named Canada’s Jr. A goaltender of the year in 2020, Levi was the best goaltender at the world juniors, followed by two consecutive NCAA top goaltender awards. 

After turning pro late this season, Levi was thrust into the Buffalo Sabres’ net and went 5-2-0 with a 2.94 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Not bad for a 21-year-old who’s only three seasons removed from Jr. A hockey. Canada’s other netminder is Sam Montembeault, who appeared in 40 games for the Montreal Canadiens this year. Canada could choose the veteran, but it’s more likely they drop Levi into the crease and see what he can do.

On the American side, Casey DeSmith and Cal Petersen step in as a veteran tandem. It’s DeSmith’s USA national team debut, while Petersen returns after being named the best goaltender at the 2021 World Championship. USA will likely alternate with no clear starter assigned to begin. It will be interesting to see if they also give Chicago Blackhawks top netminding prospect Drew Commesso some time in the crease. He made USA’s Olympic team in 2022 and wasn’t expected to play, but he ended up winning a pair of games, including one shutout at the tournament.

While the USA enters with more experience, Devon Levi could be Canada’s X-factor.

Canada’s roster is full of NHL players from top to bottom, with the exception of 2023 draft prospect Adam Fantilli. 

It’s an interesting mix of veterans, including Lawson Crouse, Tyler Toffoli, Scott Laughton and Milan Lucic, with rising stars including Peyton Krebs, Jack Quinn, Jake Neighbours and Joe Veleno. Canada will fashion four NHL-worthy lines, all capable of contributing. 

As deep as Canada’s forward group is, their blueline may prove the difference-maker. The six players initially named include Tyler Myers, MacKenzie Weegar, Jake Walman, P.O. Joseph, Justin Barron and Ethan Bear. It’s a formidable group that should be able to roll all three pairings without concern. While Weegar and Myers are bigger names, Jake Walman is a player to watch after a breakout season with the Detroit Red Wings.

USA’s roster is far less proven at all levels. Along with two of three netminders, USA’s roster features nine skaters who spent their season primarily in the NCAA or AHL. 

Alex Tuch is the centerpiece for Team USA up front after scoring 36 goals and 79 points in 74 games for the Buffalo Sabres this season. His supporting cast includes veterans T.J. Tynan and Rocco Grimaldi, who had standout campaigns in the AHL, and NHL veterans Conor Garland and Nick Bonino, along with a group of NCAA stars. USA’s weak spot could prove to be their blueline, where only Dylan Samberg and Nick Perbix were NHL regulars this season, although neither topped the 70-game mark.

Canada boasts only one true prospect, and that’s Adam Fantilli. One of the most complete players in the 2023 NHL draft, Fantilli is expected to go second overall behind Connor Bedard. He was exceptional for Michigan in the NCAA this year and plays a very mature game.

Team USA features several notable NHL prospects. Defender Lane Huston put up ridiculous numbers as an NCAA rookie this year with Boston University. He’s small but sublimely mobile and skilled with the puck. 

Up front, 2022 No. 5 pick Cutter Gauthier is part of a high-end NCAA group that also includes Sean Farrell, Matt Coronato, and Carter Mazur. Mazur was on the rise all season, scoring six points in six AHL games after turning pro. The Red Wings pick and Gauthier could use the World Championship as an early NHL audition.

While both teams will challenge for medals at the World Championship, Canada has a definitive edge on paper. How that translates to a single-elimination international competition is yet to be seen.