Devastating News For Team Canada On The Health Of Star Defenseman Shea Theodore
Canada picked up a dramatic overtime win against Sweden on the first night of the Four Nations, but now they've been dealt a major blow with veteran Shea Theodore being ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
There were questions about the Four Nations Face Off coming into the tournament, but on night one, Team Canada and Sweden stole the show, setting the stage for what could be an incredible two weeks of international hockey.
While Team Canada picked up the 4-3 victory thanks to a thrilling OT winner from Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, they've also suffered a major blow, as defenseman Shea Theodore left the game early, not to return.
Now, Head Coach Jon Cooper has officially confirmed that the veteran will not return at any point through this tournament, with the Canadian defense now down a major piece of their lineup.
Without Theodore in the lineup, Canada will turn to a bottom two pairings group of Josh Morrisey-Colton Parayko and Travis Sanheim-Drew Doughty, and while not the strongest, the talent is still there to compete at the highest level over the next week.
Next up on the schedule for Canada is the United States on Saturday, which could be one of the biggest hockey games in recent memory, with their round robin schedule to conclude on Monday as they take on Finland in a game that could decide their fate.
Without Theodore in the lineup, it makes things even more difficult for Canada, who had arguably the worst goaltending in the tournament coming in, but with their star studded forward group led by the likes of Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, they remain optimistic of their chances despite this massive blow.
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) prepares for a face-off against Team Sweden in the second 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/528605.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) prepares for a face-off against Team Sweden in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the return of the World Cup in 2028 before a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/528410.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the return of the World Cup in 2028 before a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) 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/528399.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) 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 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) waits for a face-off against Team Sweden in the first 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/528290.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) waits for a face-off against Team Sweden in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada players celebrate a win against Team Sweden in overtime during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/528282.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada players celebrate a win against Team Sweden in overtime during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
