The 4 Nations Face-Off rosters are being unveiled tomorrow and the Vancouver Canucks are sure to be well represented.
Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden will all publish their final rosters for February’s best-on-best tournament on Wednesday afternoon. While changes can still happen for injury replacements, the published player lists will be virtually final.
The Canucks already have one player confirmed to be selected. Captain Quinn Hughes was among the first five players chosen by the United States back in June. The defenceman is expected to be a top player for the USA and will likely have a feature role.
Hughes will almost certainly be joined by three Canucks teammates at the tournament. Elias Pettersson wasn’t selected in Sweden’s first five players but was definitely considered. He is next up for the nation, especially as he’s stepped up his game over the last few weeks and now has 21 points in 23 games after a slow start.
J.T. Miller is expected to make Team USA, barring any further complications due to his personal leave. He stepped away from the club about two weeks ago, but USA Hockey expects him to play in February, per reporter Andy Strickland. His unique skillset, which balances skill and toughness, will be a key part of the American attack.
Finally, breakout star goalie Kevin Lankinen is widely projected to make Team Finland’s roster. While Nashville Predators star Juuse Saros will be the starter, Lankinen’s hot start this year means he will likely be the backup.
Beyond those four players, there are a few others who have a chance of making the tournament roster but who are far from a lock.
Brock Boeser is on the bubble to make Team USA. The sniper has 14 points in 16 games so far this season and scored 40 times last year. While he missed some time with a head injury, he’s back in the lineup and has three points in his last two games.
The 27-year-old would make the national team for the vast majority of hockey-playing countries, but Team USA has an incredibly impressive forward group, so Boeser might not make the cut.
Conor Garland is another player who has proven himself to be among the league’s better wingers this season but who likely will not make the 4 Nations Face-Off roster for the United States due to their depth.
Finally, there is the case of goalie Thatcher Demko. While the All-Star would’ve likely been a shoo-in had he been healthy, the fact he has yet to play a game this season likely means he’ll be watching from home.
The rosters will be revealed tomorrow as Finland and Sweden come out at 11:30 am PT before Canada and USA are released at 3:30 pm PT.