Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The rosters for the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February were announced one week ago, and some omissions generated some controversy.
The 23-player rosters can be adjusted leading up to the tournament in case of injury or illness, and some players who missed the cut are doing their best to make a good impression in case an opening occurs.
Here are five NHL players not selected who have been on fire since last Wednesday’s announcement.
Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets (Canada)
The Jets’ top center is on pace to put up career-best numbers, averaging over a point per game, but Canada left him off the roster with significant depth up the middle. The 31-year-old has scored a pair of game-winners in the week since the announcement and has three goals and four assists for seven points in four games.
Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues (Canada)
The Blues center set a career high with 86 points last season, but missing 12 games with a fractured ankle may have kept him off Canada’s roster. Since returning on Nov. 19, the Aurora, Ont., native has 13 points, and in three games since the announcement, Thomas has two goals and five assists for seven points in three games.
Clayton Keller, LW, Utah Hockey Club (USA)
Keller can play center and wing and leads the Utah Hockey Club with 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists). Because of his versatility, the 26-year-old could be one of the first names on Team USA’s list if someone goes down with an injury. In three games since the rosters were revealed, he has four points in three games, including two power-play goals and two assists.
Darcy Kuemper, G, Los Angeles Kings (Canada)
The Stanley Cup winner’s career was revived with his return to the Kings after two lackluster seasons in Washington. Despite having a 6-2-3 record, 2.37 goals-against average and .910 save percentage, two trips to the injured reserve already this season and his goals saved above expected may have been a factor in Canada selecting Montreal’s Samuel Montembeault as the third goalie behind Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill. But In two starts since the roster announcement, Kuemper earned wings against the Minnesota Wild and the New York Islanders with a 1.00 GAA and .953 SP.
Eeli Tolvanen, LW, Seattle Kraken (Finland)
The former Nashville first-rounder has found new life since being claimed off waivers by the Kraken in 2022-23, scoring 18 and 16 goals in the last two seasons. Finland selected veteran forwards Joel Armia and Erik Haula, who are better defensively, but the 25-year-old Tolvanen could be next up. He has eight goals this season and four points (one goal, three assists) in the last four games. He also made the Olympic first all-star team in 2018 with nine points in five games.
Related: 4 Nations Face-Off: One All-Snub Team Canada Isn’t Enough. We Made Two.
Related: Team USA’s All-Snub 4 Nations Squad: Canadiens’ Caufield, Capitals’ Carlson And More
Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.
