The ever-shifting lineup for Team USA continues to shift. News came down Wednesday afternoon that Quinn Hughes is out for the 4 Nations final against Team Canada. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun first reported the news that was confirmed by Hughes’ agent Pat Brisson.
In other news, the Americans have announced that Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson and New Jersey Devils blueliner Brett Pesce are potential replacements. Both players are on standby. However, they won’t be pressed into the lineup unless the U.S. goes below 12 forwards and/or six defenceman.
Team USA has been informed Quinn Hughes is not travelling here to Boston to join the team. Wasn’t medically cleared. Sounds like Team USA looking at bringing in a couple of other players just as insurance, because of illness going around.
— Pierre LeBrun (Bot) (@notpierrevlebrun.bsky.social) 2025-02-19T20:40:17.934Z
Quinn Hughes Out for 4 Nations Final; Two Replacements on Standby
Hughes was initially named to the American squad. However, the Vancouver Canucks blueliner pulled out before the tournament. The 25-year-old was hoping to join the lineup after the injury to Boston Bruins defender Charlie McAvoy. However, Hughes wasn’t cleared to play.
Team USA now turns to its next option on the blueline in Pesce. The Devils defenceman has a goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 48 games this season. However, he’s more of a lockdown defender than a puck-mover like Hughes is.
Thompson comes in after injuries and illness have rocked the American forward group. There are injury concerns with Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk and Vincent Trocheck. However, all have indicted that they want to play in Thursday’s final.
What It Means
Losing out on Hughes does hurt, but Pesce has been strong on the backend this season with New Jersey. This could be a chance for him to make a good impression for the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.
Thompson has been one of the few bright spots for the Sabres this season. The 27-year-old has 26 goals and 22 assists for 48 points in 48 games. Losing someone like Matthews, Tkachuk or Trocheck would hurt. However, Thompson would serve as a very good replacement.
This may only seem like an exhibition to some. However, these players are taking this tournament very seriously. We could see some fireworks Thursday night no matter who is in the lineup.
Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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