Chris Pronger gives his two cents on Hockey Canada seemingly favouring HC Jon Cooper's Lightning players for 2026 Olympics

There were a few questions surrounding the selection of forwards Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel to Team Canada's Olympic roster after it was released on Wednesday. The two forwards, returning from the 4 Nations Face Off roster last February, were chosen for their familiarity with coach Jon Cooper.

Cirelli has been coached by Cooper for all of his NHL career with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was joined by Hagel in 2021-22. Together, they have formed a solid partnership and have been the backbone of the team's tough physical play that has brought them success under Cooper.

According to former two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada, Chris Pronger, on the Kyper and Bourne show on Wednesday, their specialty in the bottom six will be key for the team.

"When you look at Anthony Cirelli, you’re looking at him going, 'How is he on this team based on the players that are not?' Sam Bennett has won," Pronger said. (1:24:00) "But [Cooper] has won two Cups with him and a Four Nations with him. He understands the role he’s going to put him in. "He’s going to be out there probably trying to protect a one-goal lead late in the game, taking face-offs, blocking shots, and killing penalties. He’s not going to be looked at to score goals."

Hagel's selection had a similar basis.

"Brandon Hagel is another one he has intimate knowledge of: the type of player, coachability, style of play, use case, and how he can position him in a role that’ll allow the team to succeed and find chemistry," Pronger added. "So it’s somewhat of a partnership with Doug Armstrong and Jon Cooper in how they selected this roster, with the management team guiding what they see. I’m sure they were very spirited conversations."

Cirelli (10 goals, 22 points) and Hagel (18 goals, 34 points) were given the nod over talent that has produced this season Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard (19 goals, 45 points) and Mark Scheifele (18 goals, 45 points).

Their physical gameplay player profile may still justify choosing them over the likes of Bedard and Scheifele. But the roster has a glaring omission of Sam Bennett, part of the 4 Nations Face Off, and Conn Smythe winner with the Lightning's arch rivals the Florida Panthers in 2025.

NHL insider reports Jon Cooper's words broke deadlock over Anthony Cirelli selection

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported on Wednesday night that the Team Canada management had some dissent with respect to Anthony Cirelli's inclusion but eventually Jon Cooper's choice prevailed.

Cirelli and Hagel are among ten forwards returning from the 4 Nations Face Off roster with Macklin Celebrini, Bo Horvat, Tom Wilson and Nick Suzuki joining the offense. Team Canada's campaign starts on Feb. 12 against Team France.

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Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy