Bad News for the Americans Ahead of the Final as Top Defenseman's Status is Up in the Air; Per Source
Team USA is set for a rematch with Team Canada to decide the winner of the first ever Four Nations, and now, they may have to play without Charlie McAvoy as he is in doubt for the big game with an upper-body injury.
After Team Canada's win over Finland to clinch a spot in the Final of the Four Nations Face Off, Team USA has made some changes to their lineup ahead of what is now a dead rubber matchup against Sweden on Monday.
It was expected however that they'd be back to full health for the rematch with the hungry Canadian squad, but it appears as though that may no longer be the case after the latest update.
According to reports, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is not a 100% guarantee to be available for the game as he is reportedly dealing with an upper-body injury.
Given the wording of the update, it's unlikely that he'll be out long-term, as he's a good chance to play in the game, but if he can't go, that would mean the United States are missing not one but two of their best blue liners with Quinn Hughes also missing the tournament.
Through two games, the US have outscored their opponents 9-2, with the defense especially thriving in front of Vezina front runner Connor Hellebuyck, with McAvoy alongside Adam Fox thriving as they lead this incredible loaded blue line.
In the emotionally charged weekend win over Canada, McAvoy played an incredibly physical game in Team USA's 3-1 victory, and while they've still got some great talent on the back end with Jake Sanderson playing his first game on Monday night, it will be a huge blow for the team if he is indeed ruled out.
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![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529746.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty (89) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529645.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty (89) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529619.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
