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4 Nations Face-Off Rosters: EP Projections for all teams

28 November 2024

Explore the 4 Nations Face-Off projected rosters for Canada, Sweden, USA, and Finland. Dive into this comprehensive analysis of lineups and expert insights from Elite Prospects.

4 Nations Face-Off Rosters and Insights

The 4 Nations Face-Off is a showcase of elite hockey talent, featuring some of the best players from around the world. Our Elite Prospects Projected 4 Nations Rosters bring you a detailed look at how these teams could line up, along with the key players and strengths each country brings to the table.

Canada roster

Elite Prospects Projected Roster:

Centers
Connor McDavid - Edmonton Oilers
Nathan MacKinnon - Colorado Avalanche
Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins
Brayden Point - Tampa Bay Lightning

Wingers
Sam Reinhart - Florida Panthers
Mitchell Marner - Toronto Maple Leafs
Mark Stone - Vegas Golden Knights
Mark Scheifele - Winnipeg Jets
Mathew Barzal - New York Islanders
Brad Marchand - Boston Bruins
Anthony Cirelli - Tampa Bay Lightning
Zach Hyman - Edmonton Oilers

Extra Forward
Robert Thomas - St. Louis Blues

Defencemen
Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche
Devon Toews - Colorado Avalanche
Josh Morrissey - Winnipeg Jets
Noah Dobson - New York Islanders
Shea Theodore - Vegas Golden Knights
Alex Pietrangelo - Vegas Golden Knights

Extra Defenceman
Evan Bouchard - Edmonton Oilers

Goalies
Jordan Binnington - St. Louis Blues
Adin Hill - Vegas Golden Knights
Samuel Montembeault - Montreal Canadiens

On the Outside Looking In

Nick Suzuki - Montreal Canadiens
Alexis Lafrenière - New York Rangers
Connor Bedard - Chicago Blackhawks

Canada's depth makes roster selection incredibly competitive, leaving even highly skilled players on the sidelines. Emerging stars like Bedard and established talents like Suzuki and Lafrenière couldn’t find space in this fiercely competitive group.

Rationale

Canada's roster features unparalleled depth, particularly at center, with world-class talent capable of dominating every facet of the game. The team's forward group combines skill, speed, and physicality, with several players flexible enough to adapt between center and wing roles. On defense, Canada boasts a mix of offensive dynamism and defensive stability, built around established pairings to maximize chemistry. The one potential weak spot is in goal, where the team lacks the elite pedigree seen in other nations, leaving question marks about their ability to provide consistent stopping power.

Sweden roster

Official 4 Nations Face-Off Sweden Roster

Elite Prospects Projected Roster:

Centres
Elias Pettersson - Vancouver Canucks
Mika Zibanejad - New York Rangers
Joel Eriksson Ek - Minnesota Wild
Elias Lindholm - Boston Bruins

Wingers
Filip Forsberg - Nashville Predators
Jesper Bratt - New Jersey Devils
William Eklund - San Jose Sharks
Rickard Rakell - Pittsburgh Penguins
William Nylander - Toronto Maple Leafs
Adrian Kempe - LA Kings
Lucas Raymond - Detroit Red Wings
Leo Carlsson - Anaheim Ducks

Extra Forward
Mikael Backlund - Calgary Flames

Defencemen
Rasmus Dahlin - Buffalo Sabres
Victor Hedman - Tampa Bay Lightning
Gustav Forsling - Florida Panthers
Erik Karlsson - Pittsburgh Penguins
Mattias Ekholm - Edmonton Oilers
Rasmus Andersson - Calgary Flames

Extra Defenceman
Jonas Brodin - Minnesota Wild

Goaltenders
Jacob Markström - New Jersey Devils
Filip Gustavsson - Minnesota Wild
Linus Ullmark - Ottawa Senators

On the Outside Looking In

Forwards: Fabian Zetterlund - New Jersey Devils, Gustav Nyquist - Nashville Predators
Defencemen: Philip Broberg - Edmonton Oilers
Goalies: Jesper Wallstedt - Minnesota Wild

Rationale
Sweden's roster boasts an elite group of centers, combining dynamic offense and defensive acumen. On the wings, they feature a blend of youth and experience, with exciting prospects like William Eklund complementing seasoned players like William Nylander and Filip Forsberg. Defensively, the team leans on the Norris Trophy-winning talents of Karlsson and Hedman, but younger players will need to step up to ensure stability. In net, the lack of a clear starter creates intrigue, as Ullmark, Gustavsson, and Markström vie for the crease. Whoever seizes the opportunity early will likely lead the charge.

 

Rationale:

Sweden’s roster offers a mix of experienced veterans and dynamic young talent. Chemistry will play a vital role, particularly with several teammates from club teams. This group is balanced, skilled, and capable of competing against any opponent.

USA roster

Official 4 Nations Face-Off USA Roster

Elite Prospects Projected Roster:

Centres
Auston Matthews - Toronto Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel - Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Hughes - New Jersey Devils
Dylan Larkin - Detroit Red Wings

Wingers
Jake Guentzel - Carolina Hurricanes
Matthew Tkachuk - Florida Panthers
Brady Tkachuk - Ottawa Senators
Kyle Connor - Winnipeg Jets
Jason Robertson - Dallas Stars
J.T. Miller - Vancouver Canucks
Matt Boldy - Minnesota Wild

Extra Forward
Tage Thompson - Buffalo Sabres

Defencemen
Quinn Hughes - Vancouver Canucks
Charlie McAvoy - Boston Bruins
Adam Fox - New York Rangers
Jaccob Slavin - Carolina Hurricanes
Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets
Brock Faber - Minnesota Wild

Extra Defender
Noah Hanifin - Vegas Golden Knights

Goaltenders
Connor Hellebuyck - Winnipeg Jets
Jake Oettinger - Dallas Stars
Jeremy Swayman - Boston Bruins

On the Outside Looking In

Forwards: Vincent Trocheck - New York Rangers
Defencemen: Seth Jones - Chicago Blackhawks
Goalies: Thatcher Demko - Vancouver Canucks

Rationale

This American roster is one of the most exciting in recent memory, combining elite star power with impressive depth. While Auston Matthews’ health remains a concern, his inclusion is pivotal for Team USA’s success. Depth roles will be key to success, with players like Trocheck in the mix to challenge for spots. On defense, the inclusion of Zach Werenski over Seth Jones reflects a shift toward rewarding current performance over reputation. In goal, Connor Hellebuyck is the clear starter, with Oettinger and Swayman competing for the backup role. The competition for the crease ensures Team USA will have solid options in net.

Finland roster

Official 4 Nations Face-Off Finland Roster

Elite Prospects Projected Roster:

Centers
Aleksander Barkov - Florida Panthers
Sebastian Aho - Carolina Hurricanes
Roope Hintz - Dallas Stars
Anton Lundell - Florida Panthers

Wingers
Teuvo Teräväinen - Chicago Blackhawks
Mikko Rantanen - Colorado Avalanche
Mikael Granlund - San Jose Sharks
Matias Maccelli - Utah Hockey Club
Artturi Lehkonen - Colorado Avalanche
Kaapo Kakko - New York Rangers
Erik Haula - New Jersey Devils
Patrik Laine - Montreal Canadiens

Extra Forward
Eetu Luostarinen - Florida Panthers

Defencemen
Miro Heiskanen - Dallas Stars
Esa Lindell - Dallas Stars
Henri Jokiharju - Buffalo Sabres
Niko Mikkola - Florida Panthers
Rasmus Ristolainen - Philadelphia Flyers
Olli Määttä - Utah Hockey Club

Extra Defenceman
Juuso Välimäki - Utah Hockey Club

Goalies
Juuse Saros - Nashville Predators
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - Buffalo Sabres
Kevin Lankinen - Vancouver Canucks

On the Outside Looking In

Forwards: Eeli Tolvanen - Seattle Kraken, Jesse Puljujärvi - Pittsburgh Penguins
Defencemen: Jani Hakanpää - Toronto Maple Leafs
Goalies: Joonas Korpisalo - Boston Bruins

Rationale

Finland’s roster highlights their traditional strengths: dynamic two-way centers and defensively reliable puck-movers on the blue line. Barkov leads a versatile forward group supported by Aho’s creativity and Hintz’s scoring ability. On the wings, Finland pairs skilled playmakers like Rantanen with responsible, fast players like Teräväinen. Laine's inclusion adds a wildcard factor, as his recovery from injury will determine his impact. Heiskanen anchors the defense, where familiarity between him and Lindell offers stability. In goal, Saros remains the clear number one, while the competition for the backup spot adds intrigue.

Conclusion: 4 Nations Face-Off Rosters Summary

The 4 Nations Face-Off promises high-stakes hockey with world-class rosters from Canada, Sweden, the USA, and Finland. Each team brings unique strengths, creating a thrilling competition for fans and players alike. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the tournament unfolds.