Former player-turned-analyst Marc Methot weighed in on TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button's projection of Team Canada's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Methot advocated for the inclusion of the 36-year-old Claude Giroux, suggesting that he replace Mitch Marner.
"Not a serious lineup until I see Claude Giroux in there. Easy move would be to take Marner out."
Giroux has amassed 18 goals in 55 games, while Marner has 23 goals in 53 games.
According to Button's projection, Zach Hyman and Sam Reinhart should occupy the top line alongside Connor McDavid. Hyman has 37 goals and 56 points in 54 games, while Reinhart boasts 39 goals and 67 points in 58 outings.
Nathan MacKinnon headlines the second line with Carter Verhaeghe and Brayden Point, with MacKinnon amassing 96 points in 59 games. Sidney Crosby, projected to captain the team, leads the third line alongside Brad Marchand and Travis Konecny.
Marc Methot's proposed adjustment sees Giroux potentially injecting experience into the lineup, while youth dominates the fourth line with Mitch Marner alongside Connor Bedard and Quinton Byfield.
On defense, Devon Toews and Cale Makar form a formidable duo, supported by Shea Theodore and Noah Dobson. Veterans Josh Morrissey and MacKenzie Weegar provide stability on the third pair.
In goal, Adin Hill and Jordan Binnington vie for the starting role, with Stuart Skinner being the third option. Hill, with a Stanley Cup win and a 14-5-2 record, is Button's projected starter, but goaltending remains a significant concern.
Marc Methot on Matt Rempe's impactful debut in NHL
Four games into his NHL career, Rempe has already made an impact. He showcased his fighting ability against one of the toughest veterans in the league, Nicolas Deslauriers, when the Rangers faced the Flyers.
Marc Methot weighed in on Rempe's spirited tilt with Deslauriers.
"This Rempe fella is going to be a problem. What’s worse, is now he knows he can go toe to toe with anyone. Scary."