Despite his excellent start to the season, it would be surprising to see Cole Caufield earn a place on the United States team at the next 4 Nations Cup. At least that’s what our collaborator Pierre LeBrun reported on the airwaves of TSNTHURSDAY.
“No final decision has been made, but my understanding is that despite an excellent start to the season offensively for Caufield, he will not be part of the 23-man roster,” LeBrun explained during the segment. Insider Trading.
Prior to Thursday’s NHL games, Caufield was tied for the NHL scoring lead with 12 goals in 16 games. Mikko Rantanen, Sam Reinhart, Leon Draisaitl and William Nylander also have 12 goals, while Nikita Kucherov, Kyle Connor, Tage Thompson have scored 11.
“It speaks to the ridiculous depth that Team USA has, perhaps one of the best national teams we’ve seen in a long time,” LeBrun added.
“I was told today that it all depends on what happens in the last two weeks. Team USA only has four or five decisions left to make to reduce its roster to 23 players. »
Obviously, the injury situation could influence the final formation of the United States. Auston Matthews, who should be a central piece of the team, is currently sidelined with an injury.
According to LeBrun, Canada and the United States would have asked the organizers to expand the group of players from 23 to 25 to allow the teams to have more flexibility, but this proposal would have been refused by both the NHL and the Players Association.
“From the point of view of the United States and Canada, it is understandable that they will leave big names off their list. But then they’re going to go to these big names and say “please don’t book a trip to the Bahamas in February because we might have some injuries and we might still need you.” This is why these nations hoped to expand the lists, but they were categorically refused. »
The 4 Nations showdown will be held from February 12 to 20, in Boston and Montreal, and will feature Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden.
