BOSTON — The U.S. is gearing up for the championship showdown against Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, and some exciting news has just come in. Quinn Hughes, the current Norris Trophy winner, is joining the team. This is a big boost, especially since Charlie McAvoy is out due to an infection related to an upper-body injury.
Coach Mike Sullivan shared this news at a press conference at TD Garden, but he wasn’t sure yet if Hughes would play on Thursday. “We’ll take it day by day,” he said, indicating they would assess the situation as it develops.
Hughes, who was originally named to the U.S. roster in June, had to withdraw before the tournament began due to an oblique injury. In his place, Jake Sanderson stepped in and played recently when the team faced Sweden, resulting in a tight 2-1 loss.
According to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, Hughes can only play if the U.S. team has fewer than six defensemen available. They want to ensure they’re prepared, especially since some players have been dealing with illness throughout the tournament.
As for McAvoy, it’s disappointing news. The 27-year-old defenseman, who previously played at Boston University, was looking forward to playing at home in this championship match. It’s not clear when he got injured, but Sullivan mentioned that it might not have happened during the game against Canada. Sullivan expressed his disappointment for McAvoy, stating, “This tournament means a lot to him. He’s very competitive and wanted the chance to compete.”
Sanderson echoed these sentiments, highlighting how important McAvoy’s presence has been for the team. “It’s really unfortunate, but he gave everything he had, and that’s why we’re in the finals,” he said.
On the other hand, both U.S. and Canadian players respect Hughes’s skills. “He’s an amazing player and having him in the game would be interesting,” said Josh Morrissey from Team Canada. Coach Jon Cooper also weighed in, noting that having both Hughes and Cale Makar in the final would be a positive for the sport.
As the championship game approaches, all eyes will be on whether Hughes gets the chance to suit up and make an impact on the ice. One thing is certain: this matchup will be one to remember.
Source link
Vancouver Canucks, NHL
