Team Canada Unveils Roster for 2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Crosby and McDavid Unite, Bedard Excluded
December 5, 2024The official Team Canada roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off has been announced, marking the first international tournament featuring NHL players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
This tournament will showcase teams from Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden, serving as a preview for the NHL's participation in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.
Among the highlights, Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid will play together for the first time, significantly enhancing Canada's offensive capabilities.
However, the decision to exclude experienced players like Steven Stamkos and Tom Wilson has raised eyebrows, although their omissions are deemed understandable.
Additionally, the absence of highly touted 19-year-old talent Connor Bedard has sparked discussions regarding his current performance and future potential in international play.
The Tampa Bay Lightning's head coach Jon Cooper will lead a roster that includes players such as Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, and Anthony Cirelli, who have demonstrated strong chemistry.
On the defensive front, Cale Makar and Devon Toews, strong partners from the Colorado Avalanche, are expected to bolster Team Canada's defensive lineup.
Despite these strengths, concerns linger about Canada's goaltending situation, which features Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembault, as they may not match the caliber of other teams' netminders.
Overall, the blend of established stars and promising young talent on the roster sets the stage for a competitive showing in the tournament.
Summary based on 1 source
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Source
Bleacher Report • Dec 4, 2024
Winners and Losers of Team Canada Full Roster for 4 Nations Face-Off