Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Insider reveals the one condition for Quinn Hughes to play with Team USA in the final

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 1:59 PM ET

Quinn Hughes has been recalled for Team USA in the Four Nations, but according to a top insider, he's not guaranteed to play in the game ... yet.

There are already so many intriguing stories surrounding the Canada vs. USA 4 Nations Face-Off Finale on Thursday night, but after it was announced that Quinn Hughes was being added to the roster, things got even more interesting.

The reason that Team USA made this move was the injury to Charlie McAvoy, and while many believed that he'd be added to the lineup immediately, that may not be the case after all.

According to a follow-up report from insider Elliotte Friedman, one of the six currently healthy defenseman on the United States roster would need to go down before the Vancouver Canucks captain could slot in.

While Team Canada used an injury replacement earlier in the tournament, that was in place of arguably the NHL's best defenseman, and now, the United States will be looking to add arguably the NHL's other best blue liner due to injury ahead of the showdown.

Whether or not No. 43 is there, confidence will be high in that locker room after the earlier 3-1 win over Canada.

With over 48 hours still to go until we see the first-ever 4 Nations champion crowned, plenty of things can still happen, so keep a close eye on this developing situation, as Hughes' status with the team may be the difference-maker that decides the winner of this highly successful tournament.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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