On the outside: A look at some of the 4 Nations roster snubs

By Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press on December 5, 2024.

Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland revealed the countries’ full rosters for February’s NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament this week. There were slam-dunk choices, surprises and snubs.

The Canadian Press takes a lot at some of the talent that didn’t make the cut.

CONNOR BEDARD – CANADA

The 19-year-old Chicago Blackhawks centre looked like a good bet to be included when the showcase event was first announced at the 2024 NHL all-star game. Bedard would go on to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, but hit a bumpy patch in his second season. The No. 1 pick at the 2023 draft recently went 12 games without a goal, and has 19 points across 26 games. Bedard, however, still has a bright future with the national team. And remember, Sidney Crosby was left off the 2006 Olympic squad.

EVAN BOUCHARD – CANADA

The Edmonton Oilers defenceman had 81 points in 82 games last season before adding 32 more across 25 playoff contests. Those numbers, along with 18 points so far in 2024-25 entering Wednesday’s action, weren’t enough for the 25-year-old Bouchard to crack Canada’s blue line. General manager Don Sweeney went with more well-rounded options in Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets and Travis Sanheim of the Philadelphia Flyers further down the lineup with offensive dynamo Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche likely tabbed with running what will be an ultra-talented power play.

COLE CAUFIELD – UNITED STATES

The Montreal Canadiens sniper – one of hockey’s purest shooters – has 16 goals in 25 games, but was unable to crack a stacked American setup. The deep roster likely didn’t have room for Caufield, 23, in an offensive role, and defensive play is far from the winger’s strong suit.

WILLIAM EKLUND – SWEDEN

The 22-year-old San Jose Sharks forward appeared a lock after putting up 23 points through 27 games this season. Sweden, however, decided on a more veteran group that included Oilers forward Viktor Arvidsson and Nashville Predators counterpart Gustav Nyquist, leaving a dynamic offensive player on the outside looking in.

ZACH HYMAN – CANADA

Bouchard’s teammate in Edmonton will also have to watch the 4 Nations. The grinding, 32-year-old winger combined to score 70 goals in 2023-24 – 54 in the regular season and 16 in the playoffs – playing alongside Connor McDavid with the Oilers. But the familiarity of suiting up on the Canadian superstar’s wing couldn’t propel Hyman onto the roster. And with just three goals this season, Sweeney looked elsewhere.

MARK SCHEIFELE – CANADA

The 31-year-old centre for the Winnipeg Jets has 13 goals and 27 points in 26 games in 2024-25, but that wasn’t enough to earn him a spot. Scheifele was unlikely to play in an offensive role, and he’s never been known for his defensive acumen. Canada instead went with the likes of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli to fill out its down-the-middle needs.

TAGE THOMPSON – UNITED STATES

The Buffalo Sabres centre was a surprise omission from the American fold. The hulking six-foot-six centre has 20 points in 20 games this season, and scored 47 times back in 2022-23. But much like Caufield, there just didn’t appear to be room for Thompson in a role where he would succeed. The U.S. instead went with Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers to top off its forward group.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024.

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