Jan 29, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates behind the net against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Quinn Hughes Could Not Join Team USA for 4 Nations Face-Off Final

Canucks’ captain remains uncertain about joining Team USA despite coach Sullivan’s statement on his potential inclusion as an injury replacement.

The United States could have a major reinforcement available for the 4 Nations Face-Off championship against Canada. Quinn Hughes was set to travel to Boston ahead of Thursday’s title clash. However, Now Quinn Hughes participation with Team USA in Boston remains uncertain. Just hours after U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan stated that Hughes would be joining as a potential injury replacement, the defenseman practiced with the Canucks in Vancouver and expressed uncertainty about the situation.

“I really want to, Obviously been really hard to watch. (I) want to play, but from what I can understand, the rules are the rules.” : Hughes said when asked if he’ll head to Boston

“I can’t play unless anyone else gets injured and I obviously don’t want to see anyone get injured, So that’s where we’re at.” : Hughes said.

Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner and captain of the Vancouver Canucks, was originally named to the U.S. roster but had to withdraw last week due to an oblique injury that also kept him out of the Canucks’ final four games before the NHL’s midseason break. His replacement, Jake Sanderson, has since stepped in, but Hughes’ return to full health has left Team USA with an intriguing contingency plan until it became uncertain

Quinn Hughes might not join Team USA in Boston after all. 😔 https://t.co/yDoLjf1CWU
— theScore (@theScore) February 19, 2025

Despite losing star defenseman Charlie McAvoy to an upper-body injury, Team USA remains optimistic about their lineup. Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that key forwards Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, and Matthew Tkachuk are expected to suit up after recent injury concerns. Matthews was a late scratch in the loss to Sweden due to upper-body soreness, while the Tkachuk brothers exited their previous games with minor ailments.

Canada faced a similar roster dilemma earlier in the tournament when defenseman Shea Theodore suffered an upper-body injury in their opening game. They flew in Thomas Harley as an emergency backup, but he was only eligible to play once Cale Makar was sidelined by illness against the U.S. He remained out of the lineup when Makar returned for Canada’s win over Finland.

Hughes remains a frontrunner for the Norris Trophy alongside Makar and fellow Team USA blueliner Zach Werenski. If he secures back-to-back wins, he’d become the first defenseman to achieve the feat since Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidström, who claimed three straight from 2006 to 2008.

Image Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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