After Canada's disappointing 2-0 loss to Sweden, there will likely be some line changes coming that will affect the seven OHLers in the lineup. More on who could be elevated, demoted, or swapped in Canada's lineup.
On Friday, Sweden handed Canada a 2-0 loss in a game where Canada's performance was very disappointing. There were chances missed, passes forced, and multiple defensive breakdowns.
Considering the seven current OHL players in Canada's lineup — Owen Beck, Easton Cowan, Carson Rehkopf, Oliver Bonk, Owen Allard, Ty Nelson, & Jorian Donovan — there are several possibilities for line changes involving these seven players.
Carson Rehkopf has already been swapped from his initial 13th forward position. He has been on a line with Celebrini & Yager, but he could be ready for an even bigger role.
He played the least amount of minutes among Canadian forwards against Sweden, even though he scored two goals against Latvia. Rehkopf is leading the OHL in goals, and Canada needs goals. Giving him a power play role, or even a spot in the top-six wouldn't be a bad idea for Canada to generate some offence.
They were struggling to finish in this game, and Rehkopf could be a definite solution.
Maple Leafs first round pick Easton Cowan has been steady on the second line alongside Matthew Poitras and Matthew Savoie. He hasn't been able to finish on several grade A chances throughout the tournament, but he showed an element of physicality against Sweden.
A move to a depth role may benefit Cowan and take pressure off of him being a top contributing player on this team.
Moving onto Owen squared — Owen Beck and Owen Allard — who have been on a line together since the tournament began. Both have been effective, but Beck continues to prove that his quickness and playmaking ability can be used in the top-six.
Allard has been a competitive, energetic player in Canada's bottom-six, and will likely remain there.
Moving to the blue line, Oliver Bonk has had an effective tournament thus far with his defensive reliability. He has also been quarterbacking the second power play unit, where he's been a smart puck-mover.
Bonk's role likely won't change a whole lot.
The two injury replacements — Jorian Donovan & Ty Nelson — have been what we expected so far. Both flew into Sweden with short notice, and they were able to come in and adapt to a team that had been practicing together for a couple of weeks.
Though the two have been good, pairing them together would not be a great idea. Both are offensively minded, like to take risks, and carry the puck. Donovan is more of a passer, and Nelson is more of a shooter.
Both have been on different pairs, and that should remain the same as well.
Though there may not be too many changes on the back-end, there is potential for some serious changes up front.
Canada takes on Germany on New Years Eve for their last round-robin game. Sweden has clinched first in the division with the win on Friday, but Canada will lock up second with a win on Sunday.
Quarterfinals will follow on Tuesday, January 2nd.