Vancouver 2010 Part III - Notable Omissions

There were a number of notable omissions that were left of either list. Here they are:

Todd Bertuzzi - About five years ago, Todd Bertuzzi was the premier powerfoward in the NHL. That was pre-Steve Moore. Post-Steve Moore, Bertuzzi has been a shadow of his former self. Whether it’s because he can’t bring himself to play physically anymore, or whether it’s because he hasn’t forgiven himself, or whether it’s because he can’t deal with the scrutiny of the crowds, or for whatever reason, Todd Bertuzzi simply isn’t the player he once was. That being said, this year has been a bit of a breakthrough for Bertuzzi, scoring 11 goals and 29 points in 43 games, with a +5 rating and 43 PIMS. Perhaps Bertuzzi is over the psychological hump that has dogged him post-Moore. If Bertuzzi can get his confidence back, and play like he played pre-Moore, he is, and will be a force to be reckoned with.

Mike Cammelleri - While having the potential to become a prolific goal scorer in the NHL, he’s not there yet. Also, compared to vast talent that Canada has to choose from, Cammelleri, like Kariya, becomes more of a one dimensional player. If Cammelleri can consistently light it up for the next two years until the tournament, he may have an outside chance of making the cut.

Corey Perry - Corey Perry has experienced a breakout season playing alongside former Canadian Junior team mate, Ryan Getzlaf. Perry, by himself, brings a very unique skill set to an international tournament such as this. Known to have agitating qualities, Corey Perry also possesses great puck control skills, creativity, vision, and offensive acumen. However, there are other, more skilled players that can fill the role of Corey Perry, and do the things he does well, but better. If Corey Perry makes the team, it is his agitating qualities that will set him apart. His ability to rile up the opposition and utilize his offensive cunning is a unique combination that very few players possess. If he can consistently, and effectively combine these traits for the next two years until the tournament, he might just have a chance of making the cut.

Jonathan Cheechoo - After Cheechoo’s magical 05/06 year winning the Rocket Richard trophy, things have gone downhill. The following year, Cheechoo only scored 37 goals and 69 points in 76 games, and this year, has an abysmal 11 goals and 18 points in 45 games. Whether or not Cheechoo is a one-hit wonder remains to be seen, but for the moment, and for Sharks fans, it’s not looking good.

Patrick Marleau - Marleau moves quick for a big man, has a great release, and quarterbacks his team’s powerplay. However, for a big man, Marleau under-uses his size which could be a tremendous asset in opening up the ice, and could probably stand to shoot the puck with more frequency. Marleau has also struggled with consistency issues, being somewhat of a streaky player at times. All these things would spell disaster in a short, single-elimination tournament like the Olympics, and unless Marleau can vastly improve his overall value, Canadian brass will more than likely pass him over.

Kris Draper - Draper’s checking presence on his club team has helped the Wings become a dominant force over the years. His checking presence in the 2004 World Cup alongside Joe Thornton and Shane Doan dominated the tournament, both defensively and offensively. However, his presence in the 2006 Olympic tournament went largely unnoticed. I was actually shocked when he was selected for the 2006 tournament, and not just in retrospect, because for anyone who knows their game, they should know that checking becomes considerably more difficult on the larger ice surface. Checking is all about taking away time and space, and when given more space, skilled players can create their own time, while manufacturing more space for their team. Kris Draper, although highly effective on NHL sized ice, is a role player, and one whose effectiveness is diluted on the big ice surface. I like Kris Draper, the leadership and attitude he brings to a team, his willingness to accept his role, and the skill set he brings. However, I believe it was a mistake to select Draper for the 2006 Olympic tournament, and I believe it will be another mistake to select him for 2010. This is not because I don’t like Draper and the package he brings, nor is because I have no respect for what Draper brings to a team. It is simply because Team Canada is a team with very limited roster spots, and Canadian brass cannot afford to fill those valuable spots with role players, especially ones with as many limitations as a player like Draper.

Mike Fisher - Mike Fisher is in a very similar situation to Kris Draper. Despite his tenacious forechecking ability and two-way play, it's simply impossible to take a player like Fisher. His play is more suited to the smaller ice surface (much like players like Morrow, Draper, and Doan), he doesn't possess the skill of a Getzlaf or Nash, and in the end, as much as I like what Fisher brings to the table (and I do, being a big Sens fan), he's just not good enough.