With the 4-Nations Face-Off concluding in a thrilling 3-2 championship overtime win for Canada over the United States, discussions about whether this format could serve as a permanent replacement for the All-Star break have already begun. With the Face-Off becoming much more than just preparation for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, future discussions will surely focus on keeping such a successful event intact. But while an earlier 5-3 loss to Canada sent Utah's Olli Määttä and Juuso Välimäki, who represented Finland in the tournament, back home early to watch Canada avenge its loss like everyone else, the question now is whether anyone will return to represent Utah in the coming years. Many changes are expected in the coming year, including the adoption of the Utah name, the possibility of the 4-Nations Face-Off replacing future NHL All-Star breaks, and the potential growth of Utah as a team—accelerated by a chance to make the playoffs in its inaugural seaso But regardless of what changes may occur, there are a couple of Utah players to watch for in future All-Star/4-Nations Face-Offs. Those players are: Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Olli Määttä. If Utah can close the gap on the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, some of these players could generate early momentum to build upon ahead of next year's All-Star Break. CLAYTON KELLER Feb 8, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Utah Hockey Club center Clayton Keller (9) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/18abe1a8-e721-4d76-921a-395535de37fd.jpeg] Feb 8, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Utah Hockey Club center Clayton Keller (9) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Some considered Keller's absence from Team USA this year to be a snub [https://thehockeynews.com/news/five-4-nations-face-off-snubs-on-fire-since-the-announcement-jets-scheifele-blues-thomas-shine], given that he has consistently led Utah in points—now up to 60—and his 20 goals are now tied for most goals on the team with Guenther. Considering he's already the captain of Utah and putting up leading numbers for his team, along with the likely growth of Utah in the coming years, another productive year could be enough to elevate him to an All-Star level. If Keller can continue to lead Utah as it improves, he might even be a name that pops up in the upcoming Olympics and World Cup matchups. LOGAN COOLEY & DYLAN GUENTHER Dec 14, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Utah Hockey Club center Logan Cooley (92) celebrates with right wing Dylan Guenther (11) during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d46d3895-819a-4e45-8255-9fb760c988d3.jpeg] Dec 14, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Utah Hockey Club center Logan Cooley (92) celebrates with right wing Dylan Guenther (11) during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images Both are really young players still under the age of 21. Not only are they considered the future of this team, but they are already showing significant signs of growth this year, with both ranking in the top three in points for Utah. If the 4-Nations format ends up replacing the All-Star format in the coming years, both could end up facing each other, with Cooley representing the USA and Guenther representing Canada. If both continue to elevate this Utah squad to new heights and grow their own games, maybe we’ll see them facing off in what is likely to be one of the most storied matchups of all time in the upcoming years. OLLI MÄÄTTÄ Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Finland defenseman Olli Maatta (3) talks with defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo (33) against Team USA in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/233f3d8b-fa0e-488e-96c8-23fc2dba8d83.jpeg] Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Finland defenseman Olli Maatta (3) talks with defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo (33) against Team USA in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images If the 4-Nations format continues after this year, to the hope of all NHL fans, Määttä could be called on to represent Finland again. After all, his two assists led all defensemen on the team. Perhaps even Juuso Välimäki could join him again, despite not having played in the tournament. But all of this hinges on whether the NHL decides to adopt this format on a permanent basis. It would be hard to imagine the NHL not doing so, considering the record 9.3 million views it brought in to ESPN. If the NHL continues to ride the success of this year’s format, Määttä and Välimäki could be back representing Finland soon. Regardless of whether this was a one-off event, the 4-Nations proved to be a remarkable experience for everyone involved. Whether you were a Utah HC fan rooting for hometown talent to win or supporting Team USA on the championship stage, there was plenty to take away from this event. With plenty of hope that Utah can continue to have representation in future All-Star/4-Nations Face-Offs, it will surely be interesting to see if the team can make a playoff push to capture people's attention earlier than most anticipated.
