The United States will be without defenceman Charlie McAvoy for Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship game. The team may have reinforcements in the form of Quinn Hughes, the brother of USA forward Jack Hughes.
Hughes Could Join USA Team
Sources: USA
defenseman Charlie McAvoy is week-to-week for #NHLBruins after procedure to clean out infection on Tuesday.
Plus details on Quinn Hughes’ status with USA roster ahead of Thursday’s clash. Story:https://t.co/YoXb05Cp0h
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 19, 2025
McAvoy was hospitalized on Monday night after he had severe pain from an infection that developed stemming from an upper-body injury. The infection required urgent medical attention to stabilize the infection. Furthermore, antibiotics were needed to stop the spread of the infection. McAvoy is week-to-week while the infected area heals.
The United States now has a decision to make on defence. With MacAvoy out, the United States has named Hughes a potential roster replacement. However, the NHL’s rules for roster construction for the tournament make the situation complicated.
NHL’s Roster Rules
The rules state that players can only be added to the roster during the tournament if a team has fewer than 12 forwards or six defencemen available. In addition to McAvoy, the United States has three injured forwards. If one of the three forwards is ruled out for Thursday, the United States could dress 11 defencemen and seven forwards, opening up a spot for Hughes. However, the NHL would have to grant permission for Hughes to join the roster.
Furthermore, Hughes can not even practice with the team unless someone is ruled out due to injury or illness.
Options for the United States
It is unlikely that any of the three injured forwards will miss Thursday. Head coach Mike Sullivan revealed that Brady Tkachuk leaving Monday’s game was a precaution because the game did not mean anything to either team. Assuming Sullivan is telling the truth, there is no reason to think Tkachuk will not play on Thursday.
As far as the defence goes in the absence of McAvoy, Jake Sanderson is expected to remain the lineup.
Two Sets of Brothers?
If Quinn does play on Thursday, he will join his brother, Jack. That would give the United States two sets of brothers, joining Brady and Matthew Tkachuk. It would add yet another storyline to a game that already has plenty.
Main Photo: Steve Roberts- Imagn Images
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