Canada's 4 Nations Hockey Roster Draws Praise and Criticism

High-profile NHL players, including Connor Bedard and John Tavares, react to being left off Team Canada’s roster for February’s international tournament.

Canada has finalized its 23-man roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, a best-on-best international hockey tournament featuring players from Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland, set to take place in February 2025.
Notable omissions from Team Canada include reigning Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard, veteran John Tavares, and Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, sparking discussions about selection criteria.
Some selections, such as Seth Jarvis, Anthony Cirelli, and Brandon Hagel, have been questioned, with critics citing their inclusion over higher-performing players like Suzuki as controversial.
Players like Zach Hyman and Mark Scheifele are reportedly on standby for potential injury replacements, while others, such as Morgan Rielly, expressed understanding and plan to use the time for rest and family.
The tournament will showcase NHL stars, including Connor McDavid for Canada, Jack Hughes for the U.S., and Elias Pettersson for Sweden, in a highly anticipated international competition.