World Cup of Hockey: Canada releases initial roster

The first 16 players named to Canada's 2016 World Cup of Hockey roster featured a number of those who helped the country capture gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Forwards

Sidney Crosby: Canada's captain for the last gold-medal winning squad, Crosby was a lock for the World Cup team Struggling through an uncharacteristic slow start this season, the Penguins captain has returned to his usual high-scoring production, back among the league's leading scorers.

Jonathan Toews: Toews seems to do just about everything, be it for the last two Canadian Olympic teams or the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. Toews can score a key goal, lock down as a defensive stopper or win a key faceoff. He'll line up behind Crosby in the second centre slot.

Jamie Benn: Benn scored the only goal in Canada's riveting semifinal win over the United States in Sochi and he's become even better since. Benn won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer last season, trailing only Patrick Kane in that race this season. A powerful winger, Benn could be a fixture next to his Stars teammate Tyler Seguin.

Tyler Seguin: Just coming into his own for the Stars when the 2014 Olympic team was named, Seguin missed the mark in landing a gig on that squad. He wasn't left out this time. Seguin and Benn have been the league's most electric duo in Dallas for the past two-plus seasons.

John Tavares: Tavares suffered a devastating knee injury in the quarter-finals in Sochi, missing the last two games. Still only 25, the Islanders captain is a powerful force down the middle and someone who could play the wing, perhaps alongside Crosby.

Steven Stamkos: Stamkos wasn't healthy enough to play for Canada at the last Olympics, but the impending unrestricted free agent has been scorching for the red-hot Lightning recently. Like Tavares, Stamkos will provide a goal-scoring presence, both at even-strength and on the power play.

Ryan Getzlaf: Among the slowest starters in the league last fall, Getzlaf is back to being a forceful presence down the middle for the Ducks. The 30-year-old had 20 points in February, winning the NHL's first star of the month.

Jeff Carter: Like many of his teammates, Carter has a rich history performing for winning teams, the squad in Sochi among them. Carter scored three goals and five points in six games at the Olympics. He's also been a dominant post-season performer for the Kings with an impressive combination of size, skill and power.

Patrice Bergeron: If not near quite as potent as Toews, Bergeron can be a jack-of-all-trades for Canada. The long-time Bruins forward can score, kill penalties, win a key draw and play the wing if needed. Bergeron is on pace for his best offensive season in nearly a decade, too.

Defence

Drew Doughty: A revelation at his first Olympics in Vancouver, Doughty was again a dominating force for Canada in Sochi. Doughty scored four goals, logged big minutes and seemed to transcend even the best the game had to offer at the 2014 Games. The same will be expected of the Kings star at the World Cup.

Duncan Keith: Along with Shea Weber, Keith was half of Babcock's most trusted defence duo in Sochi. He brings a wealth of winning experience to the squad with three Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals. He was an especially effective force last spring, a unanimous choice for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the top playoff performer.

Shea Weber: No Canadian logged more minutes in Sochi and though his game is probably trending downward, the 30-year-old remains a heavy defensive force and someone Babcock will lean on. He and Keith should again form Canada's top pair.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic: Vlasic plays big, effective and probably under-rated minutes for a quality Sharks team. He also played next to Doughty in Sochi, providing a smart, safe, puck-moving presence next to Canada's most dynamic defender.

Goalies

Carey Price: Assuming he's fully healthy, Price should be Canada's guy in goal. His credentials need little elaboration. Price has been the NHL's best goalie (when healthy) in recent years. He gave up only three goals in six games in Sochi.

Braden Holtby: Holtby has been arguably the best Canadian goaltender this season with Price out, but the race is close. Corey Crawford and Roberto Luongo have both posted equal, if not better, numbers than Holtby, who has been a rock for the league's best team.

Corey Crawford: A winner of two Stanley Cups for the Blackhawks, Crawford is in the thick of what promises to be a competitive Vezina Trophy race for the league's top goaltender this season. Crawford is having perhaps the best year of his NHL career, set to represent Canada for the first time.

McDavid named to North American youngsters team

The North American team was also named earlier in the day, and Canada's main squad will go up against some of their younger countrymen.

Goaltender Matt Murray, defencemen Morgan Rielly, Aaron Ekblad and Ryan Murray, and forwards Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sean Monahan were the seven Canadians that made the initial North America roster, which is composed of players age 23 and under.