Hockey lovers are getting ready for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off that will take place from February 12th to February 20th in Montreal and Boston. With elite NHL talent from Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the U.S. battling it out, this round-robin showdown is shaping up to be pure magic on the ice. However, just when Team USA thought that they already had their roster set, a surprise pitch was thrown. Vancouver Canucks’ defense star player, Quinn Hughes, has withdrawn from the tournament due to injury, which resulted in a weak link on the American defense line.

And yeah, this one stings. The insider of the National Hockey League, Elliotte Friedman, revealed this information, adding that Hughes had no other option, despite wanting nothing more than to represent his country. “Quinn Hughes is officially out of the 4 Nations. Was an agonizing decision for him. Badly wanted to play, but Canucks need him for race to playoffs.” Since Hughes had to shift his focus toward Vancouver’s race for playoffs, Team USA had to start looking for a replacement immediately. Enter Jake Sanderson, who now steps up to fill some big skates on the American roster.

Elliotte Friedman, the go-to guy for breaking hockey news, hit up X on February 9 with an update that had USA fans doing a double-take. With Quinn Hughes officially out, Team USA had to make a quick call, and Friedman let everyone know exactly how things were shaking out. “Jake Sanderson is replacing Hughes on the USA roster.” And just like that, Sanderson is stepping into the spotlight. And while Hughes’ absence is a tough pill to swallow, Team USA isn’t backing down.

This season, Quinn Hughes has been the life of his team. No different. The Canucks star has been on fire with 14 goals and 45 assists which gives him a total of 59 points in 47 games only. But ever since that game on January 31st, a 5-3 defeat to the Dallas Stars, he’s been MIA. The speculation was that he was down with a lower-body injury, but the possibility of him joining his nation’s side was still there. That possibility, as it stands, does not exist anymore. Now this brings us to the main question. Is he being well replaced?

Jake Sanderson has been doing pretty well this season with five goals, more than 30 assists, and contributing to the Ottawa Senators’ attempts to secure a playoff spot. The 22-year-old has been an essential part of the Senators’ battle for maintaining the first wild card in the Eastern Conference, a position they haven’t sniffed since the 2016-17 season. But wait a minute—Hughes is not the only one whose Four Nations dream is slowly disappearing into thin air.

Canadian star faces a similar blow!

Enter Sidney Crosby, the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a guy who’s practically built for these big moments. But with an upper-body injury keeping him out of action in the Penguins’ recent 3-2 loss to the Flyers, his tournament status is hanging in the balance. And as per the insider of the National Hockey League, Elliotte Friedman, it’s all Crosby’s call. And as for the Penguins, they have made it clear—they’ve got his back no matter what, fully trusting the veteran to know what’s best for his game and his health.

Now, here’s the thing—Crosby isn’t just any player. Even at half speed, he is still better than most, however, that is not enough for a man who has made his career out of being a perfectionist. Friedman let the tea spill on Saturday Headlines, informing that while Crosby wants to wear the jersey, he will not do it if he does not believe he can bring the full magic. However, there is a twist—the player is thinking of sitting out the opener against Sweden and coming back for the second week with more practice.

And let’s face it, the Penguins require him as much as Canada does. Crosby has been leading Pittsburgh with 17 goals and 41 assists for a total of 58 points in 55 games, and his absence caused a break in the 229 consecutive regular-season games. So, while the hockey world waits on his decision, one thing’s for sure—whether he laces up or takes a breather, it’ll be his move to make.