In an unexpected turn of events that surprised fans across the curling community, Brad Gushue and his esteemed St. John's, Newfoundland team announced on Thursday their decision to part ways with renowned second EJ Harnden.

This shocking announcement comes on the heels of their continued successes, including three consecutive Brier victories and a strong lead-up to the coming curling season.

In a formal statement, Team Gushue expressed their gratitude, stating, “We are thankful for EJ's unwavering commitment and the monumental impact he has had on our team's success. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Gushue himself called the split "amicable" and asserted that it was "the best decision for both sides."

As one of the top curling squads in Canada, ranked second globally only to Scotland's Team Bruce Mouat, Gushue's team has their sights set on the Brier in March and has already secured a position for the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials.

EJ Harnden, 41, reflected on his time with the team, stating it has been an “incredible journey” and expressed pride in their shared accomplishments, including two Brier Tankard wins and two Grand Slam titles during his tenure.

However, with recent setbacks, including losses in the finals at the PointsBet Invitational and Tour Challenge, questions are swirling about the team's next steps.

But who will Gushue choose to replace Harnden? Here’s a look at some potential candidates that could be stepping onto the ice with Team Gushue in the near future.

Adam Casey

At 35, Adam Casey, a veteran with close ties to Gushue, might be an ideal fit. Casey previously played with Gushue from 2012 to 2014, reaching the Brier each year. He is familiar with the team dynamics, having recently served as the fifth player at a Grand Slam event. Could this lead to a reunion?

Brendan Bottcher

Next on the list is the highly skilled Brendan Bottcher, who recently became a free agent after a surprising team change. Bottcher has exclusively skipped throughout his career, creating questions about potential adjustments in the team’s structure—will veteran Mark Nichols move to second to accommodate Bottcher as vice?

Bottcher also has a coaching commitment with Team Rachel Homan in Ontario, which adds another layer of complexity.

Jacques Gauthier

An intriguing option is 25-year-old Jacques Gauthier, recently released from Team Kevin Koe. Gauthier has showcased his skills by skipping British Columbia at the 2023 Brier and has the motivation to prove himself after his recent exit.

Nathan Young

Considered a future star, Nathan Young at just 21, has already made waves in the curling scene, competing at two Canadian men's championships. While he currently skips his own team, the experience of playing alongside Gushue would be invaluable. However, Gushue’s current focus on winning might steer him away from a less experienced player.

Team Aaron Sluchinski's Remaining Players

With the reshuffling on Team Koe due to Aaron Sluchinski’s replacement of Jacques Gauthier, the remaining members—third Jeremy Harty and second Kyle Doering—find themselves looking for new opportunities. Kyle Doering, an alternate on Team Gushue at the last World Men’s Curling Championship, could be a promising candidate.

Brad Thiessen

Lastly, 34-year-old Brad Thiessen, having concluded a season with Team Koe after gaining recognition as a solid second with Brendan Bottcher, may also be eyeing a return to competitive curling.

As fans eagerly anticipate Gushue's choice, any decision he makes will undoubtedly shape the future of the team.

Will they seek a familiar face, or is a bold move in store? Only time will reveal who will join Gushue, Mark Nichols, and Geoff Walker on their quest for continual curling glory. Stay tuned!