In spite of not being selected for the U.S. Olympic hockey team, Jason Robertson and Adam Fox, along with Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele not making the cut for Canada, there is still a chance they may join the roster in Milan next month. Both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have standby players who could be called up in case of injuries. Bill Guerin, the U.S. general manager, confirmed the existence of a backup plan with identified players ready to step in if needed.
Doug Armstrong, the Canada GM, also mentioned having a group of players on standby without disclosing the exact number. These players have been asked to continue Olympic drug-testing in case they are needed to fill in for potential injuries. Armstrong emphasized that the replacement process is not one-for-one but rather based on specific player styles to ensure the team’s needs are met.
In Canada, notable players like Bennett and Scheifele were left out, with newcomers like Macklin Celebrini, Nick Suzuki, and Tom Wilson making the final squad. Armstrong highlighted that many players were closely considered, and the selection process was challenging due to the high level of talent in contention. The Canadian team kept its 4 Nations blue line intact, with rookie standout Matthew Schaefer impressing selectors with his performance for the New York Islanders.
Canada’s goaltending situation remains uncertain, with Jordan Binnington likely to start, supported by Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper. Notable players like Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood are potential replacements due to their strong performances in the NHL.
In the U.S., top players like Jason Robertson, Alex DeBrincat, and Cole Caufield are leading the scoring charts. The exclusion of Adam Fox and Chris Kreider from the 4 Nations Face-Off team raised eyebrows. The U.S. team opted for a balanced defensive lineup, which could see Fox being considered as a replacement if needed.
U.S. general manager Bill Guerin stressed the importance of building a cohesive team rather than just focusing on individual statistics. The goaltending options for the U.S. team include Spencer Knight, Thatcher Demko, and Joey Daccord, who could step in if any of the primary goalies are unavailable.