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The NHL 4 Nations showdown begins on February 12 in Montreal, meaning any injuries at this time could affect the teams.
The most significant potential absence appears to be that of Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who had two lengthy stints on injured reserve during the first half of the regular season.
Reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner returned to the Maple Leafs lineup last week and it appears he will be able to play. However, there are other actors whose participation is called into question in the United States, Finland and Sweden. The management of each team will have to determine if they can participate and, if they cannot, who will be ready to intervene.
Finland
Erik Haula: The veteran left winger suffered a sprained ankle against the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 4, which the New Jersey Devils said would only keep him out for a few days, but New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe indicated that he could be absent for a few weeks. Haula is a depth forward who can play center and wing, so Finland needs to find someone with the same versatility.
Jani Hakanpaa: The towering defenseman was a slightly surprising selection as he missed the Dallas Stars’ entire run to the Western Conference Finals, all of training camp and the first month of the regular season as Toronto recovered from a knee injury. He played two games with the Leafs before undergoing another surgery.
Hakanpaa started skating this week in Toronto, but his uncertain return should have the Finns looking at other options, such as Henri Jokiharju of the Buffalo Sabres, as a possible replacement.
Related: 4 Nations fixture list tracker: Canada, USA, Sweden and Finland revealed
Suede
Linus Ullmark: The former Vezina Trophy winner got off to a bit of a slow start with the Ottawa Senators, but he played a key role in their December push that propelled them to an NHL playoff berth. East. But Ullmark was placed on injured reserve because of back problems at the end of the month, and its availability three weeks later is still uncertain. Philadelphia’s Samuel Ersson or Senators backup Anton Forsberg could replace Jacob Markstrom and Filip Gustavsson.
Jonas Brodin: The veteran defender injured his lower body on January 7 against the St. Louis Blues and has missed the last three games despite being considered day-to-day. Although details are scarce, Brodin’s injury does not appear to be a long-term concern, making his availability for the 4 Nations likely.
Related: NHL Players Who Could Be on the Move Ahead of 4 Nations Showdown
UNITED STATES
Brock Faber: The Calder Trophy finalist was injured in the same game as Brodin after a hit by Blues forward Jake Neighbors. The 22-year-old is a minute-eater. He trained with other injured Wild teammates Tuesday, and it is possible that he will return as early as this weekend. If the United States needs another defender at any point, John Carlson of the Washington Capitals and Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators are potential replacements.
Chris Kreider: The 33-year-old left wing’s numbers have declined this season, generating trade speculation as the New York Rangers fail to qualify for the playoffs. But Kreider struggled with issues, leading to a stint on IR. He returns Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanchebut his participation next month will depend on the absence of flare-ups from his back. The United States has a deep bench up front, including potential backups Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch of the Sabers and Utah Hockey Club captain Clayton Keller.
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