More American Hockey Players Should Follow in Johnny Gaudreau’s Footsteps

The 4 Nations tournament exploded in popularity, receiving widespread attention from the entire sports world. For many Americans, like Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, it was some good karma. Heading to the annual World Championships isn’t always an easy decision; there’s always the risk of injury and it takes valuable offseason family time away. But for guys like Gaudreau and Larkin, they participated often because it meant so much more than that. It was about growing the game and establishing the U.S. as a hockey powerhouse.

Larkin Subtly Calls Out Others

After a gut-wrenching overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations final, Larkin opened up about the lack of participation from some NHLers at Worlds:

“We’ve had a tough time with USA Hockey getting guys to play in the World Championships. Guys who are at home watching this, I hope they’re wanting a piece of it. They’ve got to go to the World Championships and prove themselves and play for their country. We’ve got to start winning that tournament. And I think that’s where, you know, Canada, those guys go and they play. And that’s where it starts. Pride for your country. Pride for the flag. Putting that crest on and going out for a game is just an unbelievable feeling. This grew the game really well, but I hope it pushes guys to want a piece of this.”

– Dylan Larkin (via Michael Russo)

Currently, the U.S. has not won the World Championships in 91 years (1933). While some NHLers have participated, they’re often lacking the depth that other countries like Sweden, Finland or Canada have. Simply put, when looking over rosters in recent seasons, other countries have wanted it more. That was the most evident in the 2023 bronze medal match, when a Latvian squad with zero NHLers beat the Americans, who mostly rostered bottom-six NHL talent and top American Hockey League (AHL) talent. It was a far cry from what they were capable of rostering…and frankly embarrassing for USA Hockey.

In 2024, that mindset started to change. The Americans sent a much more capable roster, including but not limited to, Gaudreau, Zach Werenski, Brady Tkachuk, Matt Boldy, Cole Caufield, Luke Hughes and Jake Sanderson. Prior to the tournament, L. Hughes told The Hockey Writers, “I’m going to Worlds to win. The US hasn’t won in 90 years, or whatever it was…You want to wear the (USA) jersey and try to win that tournament for the first time in a long time. It’s a special thing.” 

Unfortunately, they fell 1-0 in an intense battle against Czechia in the quarterfinals. But given the success of 4 Nations, plus the upcoming Olympics, there’s no reason for the U.S. not to put together as strong of a roster as possible.

Looking Ahead

Players who are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs can’t join until they are eliminated, but every country is in the same boat. That’s not an excuse. This February, the Americans showed that when they try, they can go toe-to-toe with the best countries in the world. If the season ended today, the following Americans (all in top 30 of U.S. scoring) are on teams not in the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, Zach Werenski, Tage Thompson, Quinn Hughes, Clayton Keller, Alex DeBrincat, Larkin, Alex Tuch, Ryan Donato, Logan Cooley, Adam Fox and Patrick Kane.

If 75% of those players could commit, that’s a very solid core to work with. Then guys like Brock Boeser, John Carlson, Kyle Palmieri, Will Smith, etc. could give the depth that they’ve lacked in recent years.

After the Bruins got eliminated from the playoffs, David Pastrnak made his first priority to head right to Czechia for Worlds and scored the game winner in the gold medal game. Look at the scene from the championship celebration:

The tournament may never mean that much to the average fan in the U.S., given that it takes place during the playoffs. But as long as the players care that much, USA Hockey will be much better off. The 2025 IIHF Worlds will begin on May 9th, when the Americans will face host country Denmark at Jyske Bank Boxen. Here is the full schedule.