Multiple Canuck players and staff could be invited to the proposed four-nation tournament in 2025.
As Greg Wyshynski of ESPN has reported, the NHL is considering holding a four-nation tournament in February of 2025 that would include Canada, the US, Sweden and Finland. The proposed format would have Canada and the U.S. play two games in North America, while Sweden and Finland would play two games overseas. The first-place team from one group would then play the second-place team in the other group, with the winners moving on to the Final. While the event is still more than a year away, here are some Vancouver Canuck players and staff that could be included on the roster.
Team USA
Quinn Hughes
Leading the way on the blue line for Team USA would be Quinn Hughes. The NHL leader in points has played for his country multiple times but would be looking to win Gold for the first time since the 2017 U18 Championship. Watching him play beside Charlie McAvoy, Adam Fox, or maybe even his brother Luke would be fun not just for American fans but hockey fans worldwide.
J.T. Miller
If he can keep up his current level of play until 2025, J.T. Miller would be an automatic inclusion on Team USA's roster. Not only has he become one of the league's best power play producers, but his two-way game has improved immensely over the past six months. A member of Team North America during the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, he will be looking to add a third Gold to his collection in 2025.
Brock Boeser
Based on his start to the season, Brock Boeser deserves to be considered for Team USA. He has become a strong all-round player and is on pace to shatter his career highs in goals, assists and points this season. Add in the fact that he has built-in chemistry with J.T. Miller, and he could find himself representing the U.S. for the first time since 2016.
Thatcher Demko
While the competition in goal will be tough, Thatcher Demko should have no problem finding his way onto Team USA. The Canucks keeper has developed into one of the best puck-stoppers in the game and may find himself as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy if he can continue his recent strong play. A player who has represented his country on multiple occasions, he will be looking for that elusive first Gold Medal to add to his trophy case.
Cammi Granato
When putting together their management team, Team USA would be crazy not to include Cammi Granato. The Canucks assistant general manager and Hockey Hall of Famer could provide the Americans will valuable knowledge on not just how to assemble the team but be a good reference point for players on how to play in International tournaments. With 11 medals for Team USA in her trophy case at home, it would be a mistake not to include her as part of the management team.
Team Sweden
Elias Pettersson
One of, if not the best Swedish players in the world, Elias Pettersson, would be front and center for Team Sweden. With one Gold and three Silvers under his belt already while playing for Tre Kronor, this would also give the Canucks center a chance to play in front of his friends and family for the first time since joining the NHL. If he can perform like he did back in 2019 at the World Championship, there is little doubt Sweden will be playing for Gold by the end of this tournament.
Patrik Allvin
Who else to manage Team Sweden than the only Swedish general manager in the NHL, Patrik Allvin. The Canucks general manager has yet to manage at an international tournament but would be the leading candidate to take on the role of team manager for the event. With his knowledge of the NHL plus his European scouting background, it is safe to say he could put together a strong team that could compete for a Gold Medal.