Feb 7, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Darnell Nurse (25) takes a shot in front of Colorado Avalanche defensemen Cale Makar (8) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

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Cale Makar Sidelined as Canada Falls to USA at 4 Nations Face-Off

The star defenseman missed Canada’s 3-1 loss to Team USA due to illness, with Thomas Harley stepping into the lineup.

Cale Makar was absent from Canada’s lineup in their 3-1 loss to the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday at Bell Centre.

With Makar sidelined due to illness, the Dallas Stars’ Thomas Harley was added to Canada’s roster and took his place. Makar had missed Friday’s practice but is still eligible to return later in the tournament. In his 18:17 of ice time, Harley made an impact with three blocked shots, two shots on goal, and one hit.

Makar took part in Canada’s morning skate on Saturday and said he was feeling better than he had on Friday. However, he wasn’t sure if he’d be ready to go by game time.

“We’ll never put Cale in harm’s way,” Canada head coach Jon Cooper said, after labeling Makar a game-time decision.

Breaking: Cale Makar is out tonight for USA vs. Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Hockey Canada announced.

He remains eligible for the remainder of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/fC2oidCVAf
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2025

Makar had been a key player for Canada in their tournament opener, leading all skaters with 28:06 of ice time and registering three blocked shots. He was part of Canada’s top defense pairing with his Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews and also quarterbacked the team’s top power-play unit. In his absence, Travis Sanheim, who was a healthy scratch against Sweden, stepped in alongside Toews, while Harley was paired with Drew Doughty.

Canada is already dealing with the loss of Shea Theodore, who is out for the remainder of the tournament with an upper-body injury. The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman was hurt in the second period of Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime win against Sweden after taking a hit from forward Adrian Kempe, leaving Canada to finish the game with just five defensemen.

Harley arrived in Montreal in time to participate in Saturday’s morning skate but was only allowed on the ice after Makar had finished, under tournament rules set by the NHL and NHLPA.

Harley, who has 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 53 games with the Stars this season, was born in Syracuse, N.Y., but holds dual citizenship with Canada and the United States.

Image Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

4 Nations Face-Off

Cale Makar

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Anamika Shrivastava

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