4 Nations Face-Off: Canada Names Pietrangelo Replacement

On January 26th, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that Alex Pietrangelo would withdraw from the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament to tend to an ailment.

“It sucks,” said Pietrangelo on the decision to withdraw from the tournament. “Representing your country is an honor.  My kids were excited, and my wife was excited, but it is what it is. Sometimes, you have to make tough decisions.”

Team Canada delayed naming Pietrangelo’s replacement at that time, as the deadline wasn’t until February 11th.

Pietrangelo has been playing through injury for quite some time now. He isn’t playing poorly, but he’s also not at the top of his game. After their game today– a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins– the Golden Knights aren’t in action again until February 22nd. By withdrawing, Pietrangelo will have a full two weeks of rest to prepare for the second half of the season and the postseason.

“[Withdrawing from the tournament] gives me the best chance to stay on the ice, healthy, especially in the second half of the year,” said Pietrangelo. “It gives me an opportunity to come out of the break healthy and get ready for hopefully what is a long push here going into the playoffs.”

The Los Angeles Kings announced tonight that veteran defenseman Drew Doughty would replace Pietrangelo in the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament. Doughty, 35, has played just six games this season after fracturing his ankle in the preseason.