After years of no NHL presence at international hockey tournaments, that all changes early in 2025 when Finland, USA, Canada and Sweden do battle at the Four Nations Face off in preparation for the 2026 Olympic Games.
Early in the season, there has been much speculation about the rosters, and after some surprising predictions were made, we have now seen the rosters, starting with Team USA.
With elite goaltending and stars up and down the roster, this may be one of the best rosters ever assembled, with Auston Matthews, Connor Hellebuyck, Quinn Hughes and Matthew Tkachuk headlining a loaded squad.
Up next is Team Canada, who were expected to make some surprising picks, and ultimately they did just that, naming the likes of Colton Parayko, Travis Sanheim, Samuel Montembeault and Sam Bennett to a roster that seemingly had much better and younger options.
It's unclear exactly why the likes of Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, Mackenzie Weegar, Evan Bouchard and others were left off a roster that was supposed to be building to a tournament two years from now, but there's been plenty of questionable decisions by Hockey Canada as of late.
While they are still likely the two best teams at the tournament, Sweden won't be a pushover in the slightest, with the likes of William Nylander, Rasmus Dahlin and FIlip Gustavsson highlighting a very strong, connected team.
Last but not least is Team Finland, who may boast the weakest group at the tournament on their blue line, but with great goaltending and a deep forward group, they still have the ability to compete.
As of right now, this appears to be Team USA's tournament to win, but with so much star power, the main thing for the NHL will be fans tuning in to what should be an incredible tournament.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 367 ANSWERS Team Canada and Team USA Officially Announce Four Nations Roster With Several Surprising Decisions Which of these rosters are better on paper? | ||
Team USA | 172 | 46.9 % |
Team Canada | 195 | 53.1 % |
List of polls |