Alex Pietrangelo has been one of the NHL's top defensemen since coming into the league for his rookie season in 2010-2011, but despite that Pietrangelo could find himself left off Canada's roster for the upcoming NHL 4 Nations Face-Off come February.
While the rosters for the NHL's upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off won't be finalized for quite some time, there is a chance that Golden Knight's defenseman Alex Pietrangelo could find himself left off Canada's roster.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney will be tasked with the responsibility of putting together Canada's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. While he has a very deep talent pool to choose from when it comes to making his selections, there will certainly be tough decisions to be made.
When it comes to Canada's defense, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is the lone lock to be on the squad thus far, being one of the first 6 players named to the roster. The Knights Alex Pietrangelo has been one of the top defenders in the league since his rookie season 14 years ago. But despite his two Stanley Cups and 3 gold medals representing Canada in the 2009 World Juniors, 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2016 World Cup, the 34 year-old veteran was left off the roster in NHL.com's latest mock roster.
In this projected roster the 7 defensemen to crack Team Canada were Evan Bouchard(EDM), Noah Dobson(NYI), Drew Doughty(LA), Cale Makar(COL), Josh Morrissey(WPG), Owen Power(BUF) and Devon Toews(COL).
One thing that is noticeable in this projected roster amongst the defensemen is youth. Aside from Doughty who is 34, none of the other defenders listed is over 30 currently. If Sweeney decides that speed and youth is the priority for his back-end that could result in Pietrangelo not making the cut.
While speed is going to be paramount in this tournament, you can't discount having valuable experience. Pietrangelo has a great international resume, something that Sweeney may value when it comes to making his decisions. Another determining factor on who makes the squad will be individual play during the upcoming season. If Pietrangelo is having a great season and playing at the top his game Sweeney will be hard pressed to leave him off the roster.
Time will tell if Pietrangelo gets the opportunity to represent Canada and once again attempt to win gold.