The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have announced the opening rosters for the 4 National Face-Off that will take place in February 2025. Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States each revealed the first six players that will make up their respective rosters for the inaugural tournament.
The rosters are as follows:
United States
Canada
Finland
Sweden
Hockey Canada, Finnish Ice Hockey Association, Swedish Ice Hockey Association and USA Hockey will submit the remainder of their rosters between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2.
Each national team will be made up of 23 NHL players (20 skaters and three goaltenders). Those players must all be signed to an NHL contract for the 2024-25 season and be a member of an NHL roster as of Dec. 2, 2024.
The 4 Nations Face-Off will take place at the Bell Centre (Montreal) and the TD Garden (Boston) in 2025. There will be a total of seven games played over nine days from Feb. 12-20.
The 4 Nations Face-Off will be played under NHL rules. Each of the four teams will play three tournament games in a round-robin format. The point system is as follows: three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime/shootout win, and one point for an overtime/shootout loss. The two teams that possess the best record at the end of those three games will advance and face-off in a one-game final to determine the champion.
This will mark the first time that NHL players have played for their national teams since 2014 when NHL players competed at the Olympics.
The NHL has officially announced the initial rosters for the highly anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which will feature powerhouse hockey teams from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. The tournament is set to take place in the coming weeks and fans are already buzzing with excitement over the star-studded lineups that have been revealed.
Team USA will be led by some of the biggest names in the NHL, including Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Jack Eichel. These players are known for their speed, skill, and scoring ability, making them a formidable force on the ice. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Team USA is sure to be a tough competitor in the tournament.
Team Canada, on the other hand, boasts a roster filled with top-tier talent, including Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon. These players are known for their playmaking abilities and offensive prowess, making them a threat to any team they face. With a deep pool of talent to choose from, Team Canada is expected to be a strong contender for the championship.
Team Sweden will be looking to make a statement in the tournament with a roster that includes players like Victor Hedman, Elias Pettersson, and William Nylander. Known for their smooth skating and puck-handling skills, Team Sweden is sure to bring a fast-paced and exciting style of play to the ice. With a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming stars, Team Sweden is a team to watch out for.
Lastly, Team Finland will be looking to showcase their talent with a roster that includes players like Patrik Laine, Aleksander Barkov, and Mikko Rantanen. Known for their grit and determination, Team Finland is expected to bring a physical style of play to the tournament. With a mix of skilled forwards and solid defensemen, Team Finland is sure to give their opponents a run for their money.
Overall, the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament is shaping up to be an exciting showcase of international hockey talent. With star-studded rosters from each participating country, fans can expect high-intensity games and thrilling matchups throughout the tournament. Be sure to tune in to see which team will come out on top and take home the championship title.
