Concerning Update On Brady Tkachuk Ahead of Much Anticipated Final vs Canada
There was some concerning news today emerging from Team USA, as Brady Tkachuk was not seen on the ice at practice, putting his status for tomorrow in doubt.
Brady Tkachuk was not on the ice today at practice for Team USA, per Renaud Lavoie, despite the fact that coach Mike Sullivan did say yesterday that he believed he would be fine to play in the upcoming 4 Nations final game.
Winnipeg Jets star Kyle Connor moved into a top-six white jersey, appearing to be taking Brady's spot.
There was a bit of positive news despite this, as Elliotte Friedman reported that both Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk were on the ice for team practice, likely signaling their availability for tomorrow.
Matthews (upper-body soreness) and Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body injury) both did not dress against Sweden, leaving the team to have to play a forward short.
Mike Sullivan initially said that all three players would play tomorrow
United States head coach Mike Sullivan said on Tuesday that he expected Matthews and both Tkachuks to dress in the championship game.
"He carries himself in a way that I think inspires the group."
Now that Brady was not on the ice, it makes one wonder whether it's precautionary in nature or something worse than initially thought.
Matthews has one assist in two games at the tournament, while Matthew Tkachuk has two goals and an assist in two games. Brady Tkachuk, on the other hand, has two goals across the three games he's played in.
Chris Kreider was a healthy scratch for the United States in each of their first two games before being put in and scoring the team's only goal against Sweden.
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second 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/530722.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) shoots the puck while Team Finland defenseman Olli Maata (3) defends during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530714.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) shoots the puck while Team Finland defenseman Olli Maata (3) defends during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland 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/530544.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland 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/530571.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")
