Olympic bids (cont.)

Team Canada

Martin Brodeur: On the verge of NHL's career shutouts mark (103). Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images Allan Muir's Mailbag Submit a comment or question for Allan. Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND

STITCH HIS NAME ON A SWEATER:

Martin Brodeur: There's no arguing he's in decline, but is there anyone else you'd dress in a must-win game?

Marc-Andre Fleury: Don't assume he's going as the third goalie. He proved he could handle the pressure with a Game 7 road win in the Cup final. His early play says he deserves a start in Vancouver, and don't be surprised if he's the go-to guy in the clutch.

Roberto Luongo: It's almost inconceivable that he'll be left off the squad, and that might be a mistake. He'll make it on reputation, but simply hasn't looked like a world-class goalie to this point of the season.

Jay Bouwmeester: Walked onto a stacked Calgary blueline and asserted himself immediately as the new No. 1. As steady as they come.

Duncan Keith: Considered a long shot before the playoffs, his value as a two-way force is now firmly established.

Scott Niedermayer: The slow start is worrisome, but his absence was one of Canada's fatal flaws in 2006. He's a lock.

Chris Pronger: Age isn't slowing him down a bit. He leads the league in TOI, averaging 28:13 per night.

Shea Weber: Nashville's early struggles can't mute his value. His big shot will be Canada's prime power play weapon.

Sidney Crosby: His production isn't meeting expectations, but he's showing his commitment with improvements to other areas of his game.

Shane Doan: Provides inspirational leadership, smart physical play and some touch around the net.

Dany Heatley: With a gold medal on the line, expect his transgressions to be swept under the rug.

Jarome Iginla: He's being outscored by Gilbert Brule, but his offense will come. He's a lock for the first line.

Brenden Morrow: Looks just like the player he was before knee surgery cost him most of last season.

Rick Nash: Coach Ken Hitchcock has transformed him into a solid two-way player. That helps, but Canada really needs those soft hands.

Mike Richards: Six goals in seven games and still one of the best checkers in the league.

Martin St. Louis: His speed and playmaking ability should keep him in Canada's top six.

MAKING A CASE:

Simon Gagne: No goals and four assists in his first seven games. Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images

Cam Ward: He's reliable in regulation but has struggled in shootouts.

Dan Boyle: The veteran has had a couple rough games, but he was the one Shark to bring it during last season's playoffs. He'd be a boon to the power play.

Drew Doughty: Strictly on merit, he would be a lock for the sixth or seventh role. Lack of experience, and Canada's veteran depth, could put the kibosh on his bid.

Dion Phaneuf: The offense is back and he's taking fewer of the braindead penalties that stunted his play last season.

Robyn Regehr: Has his game back on track after an extremely shaky start. Could excel in a shutdown role.

Brent Seabrook: Earns raves for a steady, if unspectacular, three-zone game.

Jeff Carter: Scoring 46 goals last season gives him an edge, but he has to prove he can maintain that pace.

Simon Gagne: Doctors say he might not be in top shape until December due to offseason hip surgery...and that may be too late.

Patrick Marleau: With the C off his chest, he's a different player. The speed and finish are still there, but there's more confidence in his game. His versatility is a plus.

James Neal: Tied for 10th in the scoring race and playing a physical, two-way game. He's almost impossible to knock off the puck.

Corey Perry: Leads Anaheim's offense despite limited contribution from Getzlaf.

Brad Richards: Playing through a lingering groin injury is good for the Stars, but might negate his chances to wear the maple leaf.

Patrick Sharp: His do-it-all ability makes the crafty Sharp the go-to choice if anyone on the checking unit (Richards/Doan/Morrow) is injured. Otherwise, he's an excellent option for the 13th forward role.

Ryan Smyth: Captain Canada is fifth in the scoring race and doing what he does best: working the boards and crashing the net to create, and finish, the ugly chances.

Eric Staal: Could step in as the No. 2 center if Getzlaf flames out or he could play the wing on the fourth line, but he needs to show he's healthy. The slow start suggests otherwise.

Steven Stamkos: Meet the forward version of Doughty. His game has matured quickly, but who do you leave out to fit him in?

Joe Thornton: He's the top Canadian-born scorer, but can he be trusted to deliver under pressure? With so many centers struggling, he may be a default choice.

Jonathan Toews: There's so much to like about his game -- especially his shootout ability -- but Canada has better options.

ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR:

Mike Green: Still proving himself. Mark Goldman/Icon SMI

Steve Mason: The early favorite to grab the third spot has yet to recapture the consistent magic of last season. He's twice allowed more than five goals.

Francois Beauchemin: Has looked completely lost since joining the Leafs.

Brent Burns: That league-worst minus-10 rating is impossible to overlook.

Mike Green: No doubt he'd boost the power play and he's shown more diligence in his own end this season, but after his disastrous performance last spring, it's fair to wonder if he can be trusted.

Stephane Robidas: He simply isn't at the level of Canada's 10 best blueliners.

Ryan Getzlaf: If he's fully recovered from off-season hernia surgery, he's sure not playing like it. If he's not healthy, look for Canada to tap into its deep reserve of centers.

Vincent Lecavalier: The assists are nice, but the streak is at 15 games and counting since he last scored a goal. He needs to show some finish to crack this lineup.

Milan Lucic: Surprise camp invitee looked like he was trying too hard to live up to his new contract. Surgery on finger kills whatever chance he had.

Marc Savard: The most glaring omission from summer's camp has Don Cherry trumpeting his viability, but the broken foot that'll sideline him for the next six weeks pretty much ends his chances to impress the brass.