NHL 4 Nations Faceoff rosters revealed

Looking at the Penguins and ex-Penguins playing in the NHL’s international tournament

The NHL’s next foray into international tournaments will take place from February 12-20 with the 4 Nations Faceoff.

The four teams have announced their rosters today.

Finland

The Finns are possibly the weakest teams on paper in terms of pure firepower but have a long tradition of playing hard and above their levels. No current members of the Penguins are on the team. Former Pittsburgh players Olli Maatta and Mikael Granlund made the cut.

Sweden

Erik Karlsson was a member of the first six players selected, though it wasn’t a popular pick in all quarters due to his early season performance. But they can’t drop him now so he will be there. No other Penguins made the team, there was some chatter that Rickard Rakell was on the verge of making it, but he was omitted. Marcus Pettersson became a victim of a deep list of players to chose from and is also left out. Teams can make injury replacements right up to the first game of the tournament, it wouldn’t be shocking if one or either get the opportunity should it arise.

Canada

Sidney Crosby was among the first players pre-named to Team Canada, and is the universal choice to continue to be the Canadian’s captain and leader, a role he’s been in since the 2010 Olympics. No one from Pittsburgh will be joining him (aside from Kyle Dubas in a managerial assistant role) and no one was likely even that close.

USA

Ahh, the most linked team to the Penguins. Mike Sullivan is the coach, David Quinn will assist him. They’re bringing along the Pens’ video crew. Former Penguin Bill Guerin is the US general manager in charge.

Sullivan will reunite with former Penguin Jake Guentzel on the team. Western PA product Vincent Trocheck will be there too.