Quinn Hughes is on his way to 4 Nations Face Off

BOSTON, Massachusetts – We're going to need a 30-for-30 film for this tournament. The storylines have had more twists and turns than a prime M. Night Shyamalan film. 

With Charlie McAvoy officially out for the final game on Thursday thanks to an infection that landed him in the hospital this week, USA bench boss Mike Sullivan told reports on Tuesday that Quinn Hughes is on route. 

The Vancouver Canucks' superstar defender was originally named to the team but had to pull out due to hand and oblique injuries. Apparently, the week off has healed up enough that he is his way to Boston. 

Hughes leads all defenseman in points-per-game and his 59 points in 47 games trail only Cale Makar. 

Now, the word is that the team needs to suffer another injury or illness in order for Hughes to get into the lineup. Just as Canada needed to do with Thomas Harley last week. And while Hughes is obviously a team player, one would have to expect that he wouldn't be coming all this way just to watch unless there was a decent chance he'd see action. 

Another Team USA defender going down isn't the only way Quinn Hughes can get into the lineup. All that matters is if the team falls below 18 healthy skaters. So forward injuries (which they have a few) could also lead to an 11F/7D split and Quinn being in.

This turn of events only adds further intrigue to what must be considered the most anticipated hockey game in the last… decade any way. 

If Hughes does get into the lineup, we will have three of the last four Norris trophy winners in the lineup. Now that's what I call a best-on-best.