Quinn Hughes is poised to join the United States team for the 4 Nations Face-Off, with his participation in Thursday’s final against Canada still uncertain. The Boston Bruins have confirmed that star defenseman Charlie McAvoy will be sidelined for the championship match due to an upper-body injury that required hospitalization for further evaluation. Despite initial reports indicating Hughes was en route to Boston, as of Tuesday, he was still in Vancouver practicing with the Canucks in a no-contact jersey.
Originally named to the U.S. roster in June, Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner for the NHL’s top defenseman, missed the final four games of Vancouver before the 4 Nations tournament. Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators replaced him on the roster. Hughes leads the Canucks in scoring this season with 59 points from 14 goals and 45 assists in 47 games.
McAvoy’s absence has left the U.S. with just six healthy defensemen, triggering the possibility for Hughes to step in as an emergency replacement as per tournament rules. On the Canadian side, the team faced defensive challenges with Shea Theodore’s injury and Cale Makar’s illness, leading to the addition and subsequent removal of Thomas Harley from the roster.
Hughes can only officially join the U.S. team if the roster drops below the minimum threshold, and McAvoy’s injury has now opened the door for Sanderson to take on a more significant role. U.S. Captain Auston Matthews is expected to return for the final after sitting out the previous game. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck has been solid in net, backed by a defensively committed team in front of him.
The tournament has seen intense competition, with notable moments like a series of fights between Canada and the U.S. and standout performances from emerging talents like Sanderson. The final showdown promises to be a thrilling clash between the two North American powerhouses.