Of the several leagues that exist across the globe, the NHL is undoubtedly the most coveted for players. Naturally, the league’s top prize, aka the Stanley Cup, is arguably the biggest prize in professional ice hockey. Players spent their entire careers chasing the coveted trophy, only to come up short. However, one of Team USA’s 4 Nations Face-Off stars feels otherwise.

Knowing the significance of what it means to win the Stanley Cup, Vegas Golden Knights forward, Jack Eichel, has revealed his feelings toward the upcoming final with Canada. Despite winning the Stanley Cup with the Knights in 2023, believes the nation’s tournament final is an even bigger event. “It means the world,” Eichel confessed regarding the opportunity to represent Team USA.

“I mean, you know, you’re representing your country. This is huge,” Eichel said about the 4 Nations Face-Off final set for Thursday. Despite his experience of winning the NHL’s top prize, the 28-year-old put the upcoming final above it all. “It’s the biggest game I’ve played in some time, maybe ever,” the national championship winner said about the tournament.

The hockey veteran believes that every player who has made it to the finals at least partially shares his excitement. “Really looking forward to it. I think everyone in the room is looking forward to it. It’s what we wanted, right?” said the veteran about reaching the final of the first international tournament featuring NHL players in nearly a decade.

The long gap is also the reason not just players such as Jack Eichel, but even the fans, have showed up in droves during the games. However, team USA’s chances to win the final have come into question after the team suffered several injuries throughout the tournament. In fact, Eichel may get to play with both his line-mates in Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off clash.

Jack Eichel may need to step up as Team USA heads into 4 Nations final

While Team USA did make it to the finals for a last showdown in the heated USA vs. Canada rivalry, it may have come at too steep a cost. The extent of Team USA’s injury woes surfaced during the round-robin finale against Sweden. Besides losing against the team, star striker Brady Tkachuk had to sit out most of the game after smashing into the goalpost.

Unfortunately, his elder brother didn’t get the chance to play either. Coach Mike Sullivan decided to bench both Matthew Tkachuk and captain Auston Matthews, as they were too beat up from the previous games. Meanwhile, Charlie McAvoy, who was also out of the game for having a racing tournament, had to be hospitalized. This means Eichel needs to be at his best for the 4 Nations Face-Off final.

Coach Sullivan remains hopeful about the situation. “We’re going to get some of these guys back,” the 56-year-old told the media. However, Jack Eichel will have to pick up the slack if neither Matthews nor Brady Tkachuk are able to play beside him. Thankfully, the Golden Knights player has been exceptional for the USA during the tournament.

Despite his team losing against Sweden, Eichel picked up his fourth assist of the 4 Nations Face-Off. He also reached the milestone of notching assists against all three competitors. “In a tournament like this, it’s important to have all your details every game,” about his approach to the tournament. So considering everything, it may be safe to say that Jack Eichel isn’t wrong to say the 4 Nations final will be the biggest game of his career.