Team Canada reveals replacement defenceman if Toews denies trip to Olympics

Toews told reporters recently that he and his wife are expecting another child early in February, and he won't leave for the Olympics until everyone's back from the hospital and healthy. That puts his status for the tournament beginning on February 5th in doubt, and Canada needs to line up a replacement.

According to Islanders reporters, Matthew Schaefer has revealed that he's on the reserve list for Team Canada.

Toews is a left shot defender, so it makes sense Canada would bring another lefty if he's unable to make the trip for the tournament.

Schaefer is a pick that arguably should've made the team based on his play this season, arriving in the NHL with a bang. The rookie Islanders defenceman is playing top pair minutes and winning them - almost unprecedented for a defender his age.

He's also made an impression with his energetic and positive personality, which really could be an asset even as Canada's 8th defender. If he doesn't play a game on the ice, he could still be a solid locker room fit.

Evan Bouchard also deserved to make the Canada roster, but unfortunately was cut and there's no indication he's on their list of reserves.

With their current roster and even a few replacements, Canada still has the players to capture Gold at the Olympics. At this point, it's just on execution of the players and coaching staff.