The announcement for Team USA’s players for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off is set for next week, and unfortunately, several worthy candidates will miss the cut.

This isn’t a purposeful exclusion; it’s simply because the roster of NHL talent available to the U.S. is exceptionally strong.

Six athletes have already been confirmed by the four participating nations. The remaining players will be revealed on Wednesday, December 4th. Sweden and Finland will announce their line-ups at 2 p.m. ET, while Team USA and Canada will do so at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Here’s a forecast of potential players who may be included in Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off, scheduled for February 12-20 in Montreal and Boston (listed alphabetically; *-originally named to the team):

Forwards

Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild

Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens

Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets

Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights*

Jake Guentzel, Tampa Bay Lightning

Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils

Clayton Keller, Utah Hockey Club

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs*

Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars

Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres

Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators

Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers*

Analysis: The forward group has strong offensive capabilities with several standout players. Matthews, a three-time goal-scoring leader and a Selke Trophy finalist, adds a lot to the team. The presence of both Tkachuk brothers and Hughes brothers could make for exciting gameplay. However, there are concerns regarding injuries to Matthews and Thompson, although they are expected to recover by February. Additionally, Roberton’s scoring has dipped, and J.T. Miller from Vancouver, who could be an impactful choice, is currently on leave.

Other options: Miller; Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks; Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers; Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres.

Defensemen

Brock Faber, Minnesota Wild

Adam Fox, New York Rangers*

Noah Hanifin, Vegas Golden Knights

Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks*

Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins*

Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes

Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

Analysis: The defensive lineup is strong and balanced. Both Hughes and Fox have won the Norris Trophy. Faber finished as a runner-up for rookie of the year, and Werenski recently had an impressive five-point game. Hanifin and Slavin provide solid two-way play, while McAvoy, despite lower stats this season, still contributes on offense. The roster has four left-handed and three right-handed shooters, allowing for flexibility in team formation.

Other options: John Carlson, Washington Capitals; Neal Pionk, Winnipeg Jets.

Goaltenders

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars

Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins

Analysis: The goaltending for Team USA is likely the strongest in the tournament. Hellebuyck is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and looking strong for a third this season as the Jets had a remarkable start. Oettinger has led the Stars to the Western Conference finals in the past two years and is starting strong again. Swayman, despite facing challenges at the start of this season due to a contract dispute, had an impressive .933 save percentage in the 2024 playoffs. If not for injury, Vancouver’s Thatcher Demko would also be a consideration.

Other options: Joey Daccord, Seattle Kraken; Anthony Stolarz, Toronto Maple Leafs; Demko.

4 Nations Face-Off Schedule

(All times in p.m. ET)

Wednesday, Feb. 12: Canada vs. Sweden in Montreal, 8, TNT

Thursday, Feb. 13: USA vs. Finland in Montreal, 8, ESPN

Saturday, Feb. 15: Finland vs. Sweden in Montreal, 1, ABC

Saturday, Feb. 15: USA vs. Canada in Montreal, 8, ABC

Monday, Feb. 17: Canada vs. Finland in Boston, 1, TNT

Monday, Feb. 17: Sweden vs. USA in Boston, 8, TNT

Thursday, Feb. 20: Championship game in Boston, 8, ESPN