The NHL has confirmed the United States 23-man roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in February:
F Matt Boldy (Wild)
F Kyle Connor (Jets)
F Jack Eichel (Golden Knights)
F Jake Guentzel (Lightning)
F Jack Hughes (Devils)
F Chris Kreider (Rangers)
F Dylan Larkin (Red Wings)
F Auston Matthews (Maple Leafs)
F J.T. Miller (Canucks)
F Brock Nelson (Islanders)
F Brady Tkachuk (Senators)
F Matthew Tkachuk (Panthers)
F Vincent Trocheck (Rangers)
D Brock Faber (Wild)
D Adam Fox (Rangers)
D Noah Hanifin (Golden Knights)
D Quinn Hughes (Canucks)
D Charlie McAvoy (Bruins)
D Jaccob Slavin (Hurricanes)
D Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets)
G Connor Hellebuyck (Jets)
G Jake Oettinger (Stars)
G Jeremy Swayman (Bruins)
The Americans certainly don’t boast the offensive firepower of Team Canada, however, there is a good argument to be made that they have a more balanced lineup, particularly in net, where they have the goaltending that could steal some games.
Up front, Team USA doesn’t lack firepower, with arguably the NHL’s best goal scorer in Matthews as well as some incredible depth down the middle with Eichel and Hughes as well as Larkin. The wingers boast a little bit of everything, led by the Tkachuk brothers who will certainly be difficult to play against as they bring an element of skill and grit. As for goal scorers, the team boasts several other perennial 30-40 goal scorers in Connor, Guentzel and Boldy.
On the backend, the team should have an elite power play with Hughes and Fox manning the points. On top of that, McAvoy and Faber will offer solid skating and two-way play that will balance things out. In net, the Americans have arguably the best trio of goaltenders, and it will certainly be a massive advantage over Team Canada.
The biggest surprise for the Americans was a couple of roster snubs in Cole Caufield and Tage Thompson, who were left off the roster in favor of Brock Nelson, Vincent Trocheck, and Chris Kreider. Thompson and Caufield have averaged nearly a point a game this season in the first quarter of the season, while Kreider and Trocheck have struggled in New York with the Rangers. Nelson, on the other hand, isn’t the biggest name and won’t put up offense like Caufield and Thompson, however, what he does offer Team USA is the ability to play anywhere with anyone, in nearly all situations. Something they clearly coveted, given who they left off the roster for him.
The euros are going to mop the floor with this tournament.
Brock Nelson? Chris Kreider…. JT Miller isn’t even rostered in the NHL right now. Snooze.
I wouldn’t go that far, but some more speed up front would’ve been a better option, IMO.
Mostly agree with this roster except for Trocheck and Nelson. Both fine players, but Thompson and Boeser would’ve been my picks there. Leaving Carlson off the D is a tough one, but only so many spots available.
USAs goaltending is the best and could steal some games
How can USA leave Tage Thompson off this team? Brock Nelson good player but Thompson’s ability to use size to his advantage and he has a great shot which is a huge asset. Power play points will be important in this tourney.
Head scratcher for sure.
I have to say in terms of forward groups, team Canada is definitely the strongest among the 4 teams but their biggest weakness is in goaltending.
The U.S. team has the strongest goalie group which may be a possible benefit in the tournament.
The biggest issue for the U.S. forward group is it’s a little on the older side with guys like Chris Kreider, Brock Nelson & Vincent Trocheck while young & more uptempo guys like Tage Thompson, Brock Boeser, Cole Caufield & such are left off. Also, JT Miller is currently out of the NHL for personal reasons so who knows when he’s coming back. Definitely some head scratching decisions made for team U.S.
If any player is injured or not playing at the start of tourney, he will just be replaced!
I agree on some of those players left off the team, but Kreider is still a great skater who scores. Definately wanted him on the team.
I feel they brought Kreider on primarily for being a net front presence as he’s solid in deflecting puck shots into the net & the PP. But his 5-v-5 production though has seriously declined.
He plays on a line with a guy (Zibanejad) who won’t shoot the puck. Still 10 goals for Kreider in 21 GP.
If Miller isn’t “available” for some reason can they put someone else in?
Yes, a injured player or one not playing can be replaced any time before game 1 of tourney
I don’t get this roster. Good thing I’m not American and can just point & laugh from afar. Even the goalies could be suspect if Helly pulls his usual “big game” crash.
Kreider, Trocheck, and Fox looks like a lame attempt to get “someone’s” team interested in hockey this year. Add under-achievers like Nelson, Swayman, Hanifin, and even Matthews? With Hellebuyck’s history of shrinking in big games? This could turn ugly for Team USA very quickly.
Are you suggesting Auston Matthews shouldn’t be on the team? LMAO
No not really, but I needed to add a name. He should have like 30 goals by now. Not his biggest fan, but that’s all I got L0L
I see that you agree with the rest of my evaluation though. Good to see…
You do know that Matthews missed a bunch of games with an injury?
Yeah, that nobody Adam Fox, who is already one of the best offensive D-men of his generation and has plenty of years left to pick up more hardware.
I know I know…adding his name was kind of a joke to get my point across. He’s a scoring machine and I get it.
I’m in Calgary, so it’s built in my DNA to not like Fox. I think he’s over-rated.
Fair on the Calgary thing.
I think his overall game is a little overrated too, but his playmaking from the back end is sooooo good.
That he is. He garnered the Norris at such a young age cuz he is good. Not a generational like Makar, but I can’t deny he is gifted.
Hanifin over Carlson is a big surprise for me. Hanifin hasn’t played very well this season & Carlson has. Carlson also would’ve brought some needed International expereince to the blue line. Kreider makes the team because of his power play & his ability to create chaos in front of the net. Nelson is knd of a blah pick. Trochek has not been good this season and I’m a bit surprised he made the cut. Seems like a hope pick that he can rediscover his form from last season
Agree on Carlson. Very under appreciated player, IMO.
Nelson shows up at the Worlds every year, so I think that won him a spot.
as with team canada needs guys accept smaller roles. Caulfield/Boeser need to be on top two lines. Only real surprise Hanifan Still fail to see what people see in him. Watch many Calgary games very overrated. Swayman is third goalie. he is on team to keep happy for future . Stolarz would be third goalie if it was based upon this season.
So…no Thompson, Caufield, Robertson, Keller, or Boeser.
Instead…Miller, Trocheck, Kreider, and Nelson.
I mean…wow. Not sure if this is called gutsy or just plain stupid (and I’m leaning towards the latter).
Both Miller and Kreider had all-star numbers last season and deserve the roster spots (whether Miller will actually play is another matter). I’d rather have Thompson and Boeser over Nelson and Trocheck, but one of those two will likely be the healthy scratch anyway.
call me crazy but i think the us has the best roster
Hmmm maybe a little off-the-rocker biased lol. I saw the potential lines today and Kreider is the extra, but the guy scores in bunches so who knows. It’s just the point of so many players that aren’t playing well that is the problem. Unfortunately this isn’t a performance deserved league. This is a pay for what you did a year or two ago league.