Let them play: Hughes, Harley should be eligible for 4 Nations final
Quinn Hughes is flying to Boston to be an injury replacement. Thomas Harley was already called in and had to play one game. But Elliotte Friedman writes why both players should be allowed to play in the final, emergency situation or not.
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BOSTON — Quickie blog on Tuesday afternoon:
Let everyone be eligible to play.
I understand the idea going into this event: no additions unless an emergency. No issues with this in theory, but, this incredible tournament — wildly exceeding expectations — shows this to be an impossible standard.
The players proved this is not a glorified All-Star Game, but a fierce, nasty, intense, competitive fight for hockey supremacy. The toll is real and I suspect we don’t have a full picture of who is dealing with what.
Quinn Hughes was on this USA team. He didn’t willingly vacate his spot, dropping out due to injury. If circumstances align to bring him back, he should not be penalized for getting legitimately hurt during NHL action. Mike Sullivan said Tuesday he expects Auston Matthews to play, and that goes double for the Tkachuks. (The one I forgot to ask about was Vincent Trocheck, who injured his hand versus Sweden.) Whether the US goes with your standard 12-6 or 11-7 due to anything up front, Hughes should be a go. A freebird, I guess you’d say.
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Same for Canada.
If Thomas Harley is going to give up his vacation to join Team Canada midway through the event, he should be rewarded for giving up a suntan when his national team needed him. That’s what players are supposed to do, right? Put personal aside for country. Why be held back for doing exactly that?
Without polling every player, I would suspect the vast majority would vote to win against the best possible opponent. Injuries happen, sure. But the best want to beat the best — no questions asked, no excuses made, no quarters given.
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4 Nations Face-Off
With the inaugural edition of the 4 Nations Face-Off fast approaching, be sure to catch up on all the latest news about the highly anticipated best-on-best event. Puck drops on Feb. 12, 2025, on Sportsnet.
We’ve seen these rules modified on the fly, so this isn’t uncharted territory. Both Canada and the USA would benefit. Two days off. Plenty of time to gameplan and adjust.
This tournament is already a win. A huge success.
This is best-on-best, right? Let’s make sure of it for the final.
