It is safe to say a team made up of nothing but former WHLers would have a very good shot at winning the Stanley Cup.

Once again, former WHLers are thriving at the NHL level. As the Vegas Golden Knights proved last season, it pays to have 'Dub guys on your roster as they can play a significant role in winning a Stanley Cup. With that being said, what would an entire team of WHL alumni look like, and could they capture hockey's greatest trophy? 

The rules of this exercise are simple. For a player to qualify for the team, they must have played at least one game at the WHL level during their career as well as one game at the NHL level during the 2023-24. Without further ado, here is Team WHL led by general manager, former Brandon Wheat King Kelly McCrimmon and head coach, former Spokane Chief, Medicine Hat Tiger and Prince Albert Raider Jared Bednar.

Forwards

Connor Bedard- Leon Draisaitl- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

A matchup nightmare for any team, the Edmonton Oilers duo switches one Connor for another to make a powerhouse first line. With all three having hit the 100-point mark during their draft season, they could put up video game numbers if put together. Three of the best players to be drafted out of the WHL over the past decade, there is little question that a line of Connor Bedard, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would dominate night after night. 

Chandler Stephenson- Brayden Point- Mark Stone

Nicknamed "The Selke Line," a trio of Chandler Stephenson, Brayden Point, and Mark Stone would instantly become one of the best shutdown lines in the league. Not only are they all strong defensively, but all three can produce offensively, leading to the creation of a dynamic two-way line. Safe to say, it will be a long night for whoever is tasked to shut these three down. 

Seth Jarvis- Ryan Johansen- Oliver Bjorkstand

Three former Portland Winterhawks make up a third line that would be envied across the league. With Ryan Johansen setting up both Oliver Bjorkstrand and Seth Jarvis, there is no telling how many times this group could light the lamp over an 82-game season. Just like in junior, where all three helped Portland capture a U.S. division title, they should help Team WHL claim the top spot in whatever division they are competing in. 

Brandon Hagel- Mathew Barzal- Sam Reinhart

Another line with multiple players that put up 100+ points during a WHL season, this fourth line is going to be difficult to contain. Feasting on matchups against other fourth lines across the league, this line is arguably better than most NHL team's second lines. A great combination of speed and skill, this would be an incredibly fun line to watch on a nightly basis. 

13th Forward: Dylan Cozens  

Defence

Josh Morrissey- Morgan Rielly

Leading the way on the blue line for Team WHL is the tandem of Josh Morrissey and Morgan Rielly. Both are excellent playmakers and should help make an already strong offensive team even more dangerous. The only big issue with this pair is deciding who finished higher in Norris voting at the end of the season.

Shea Theodore- Brayden McNabb

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That is exactly the mentality Team WHL should take when assembling their second pair. Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb have already shown they can be a successful duo and, most importantly, know how to win at the NHL level.

Travis Sanheim- Brandon Carlo 

Travis Sanheim and Brandon Carlo could arguably become one of the best shutdown pairs in the league. Both are some of the best-shot blockers in the NHL and could be used not just as an even-strength pair but on the first penalty kill unit. A duo that may not produce a ton of points they would play a crucial role in the team's overall success. 

Seventh Defenceman: Tyson Barrie

Goaltenders

Tristan Jarry

Adin Hill

Carter Hart

The WHL has a three-headed monster in net with Tristan Jarry, Adin Hill and Carter Hart. It doesn't matter which one of them is in goal; each has shown they are capable of carrying their team to victory. The good news, though, is based on the lineup in front of them; they will probably spend more time watching the play at the other end of the ice than facing a barrage of shots against. 

Overall, it is safe to say this team would be a Stanley Cup contender if assembled. They would most likely have an end-of-season award finalist in almost every category and be near the top of the league on the power play and penalty kill. It just goes to show what we already know: the WHL knows how to develop some of the best talent across the NHL.