What will Dylan Larkin's role be for Team USA? Was Patrick Kane snubbed? Can Simon Edvinsson crack Team Sweden by the Olympics?
Yesterday, the NHL revealed the rosters for February's 4 Nations Face-Off. Two Red Wings earned their way onto their national teams: Dylan Larkin will represent Team USA and Lucas Raymond will skate for Team Sweden.
Oct 19, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates the goal of center Dylan Larkin (71) against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone ArenaNeither inclusion comes as a surprise. Larkin is a valuable piece for the Americans in the context of a tournament like this one: He boasts the skill to make this roster, but he could be comfortable playing in a checking/penalty kill-centric role. Meanwhile, while Sweden has a deep array of forwards to draw in, there was never really any doubt Raymond belonged and will play a featured role.
As snubs go, there were four Red Wings with credible (to varying degrees) claims to a roster spot that did not find their way into the tournament: Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat for Team USA, Cam Talbot for Canada, and Simon Edvinsson for the Swedes.
Kane is, without question, the most decorated American player ever, and while his form this season hasn't been as sharp as it was a year ago, he has made a career of thriving on the biggest stages he plays. DeBrincat might not have the same gravitational star power, but if you want to prioritize present form, he has been as effective as any Red Wing forward this season. There's a similar case to be made for Talbot, who has been as good or better as any Canadian goaltender over the opening months of the season. Meanwhile, Edvinsson's omission is no big surprise because of the depth of veteran blue liners available to the Swedes. His emergence ultimately came too late for this tournament, but he has a very good chance to play for Sweden at the '26 Olympics.
In the featured video above, I shared my thoughts on the Detroit inclusions and exclusions to the four rosters.