Patrick Kane leads USA's initial World Cup roster

Patrick Kane will lead Team USA at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Here's a look at the initial 16-man roster for the American squad:

Forwards

Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens
Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets
T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals
Derek Stepan, New York Rangers
Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks
Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings

Defensemen

Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild
Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets
Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers
John Carlson, Washington Capitals

Goaltenders

Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils

Seven more players will be named to the roster before the June 1 deadline.

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi is Team USA's GM, and Flyers president Paul Holmgren is the assistant GM of the American contingent.

Lombardi admitted Wednesday that Canada will be the team to beat.

"If we're in it to win this thing, it's not illogical to say you better be prepared to beat them," Lombardi said, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "They're clearly the best."

The USA defeated Canada for gold at the inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996, then lost to Finland in the semifinal at the 2004 event.