Confrontation of the 4 nations | The excluded strike back

In less than a month, the best hockey players from Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden will participate in the 4 Nations Showdown. Among the excluded players, several channeled their disappointment into a source of motivation, with the hope of being chosen in the event of an injury to a compatriot. Which players have stood out the most since the formations were announced on December 4?

Lane Hutson, D, United States

Since December 4: 3-13-16 in 17 games

No rookies were selected for the tournament. It’s normal. When the training was handed over, the new guys only had around twenty matches on the clock. Now, the bigger the sample, the more Lane Hutson confirms his value. Since December 4, he has maintained an average of almost a point per game. During this stretch, the only defensemen who produced more than him were Zach Werenski, Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar and Shea Theodore, all selected for the competition.

Thomas Harley, D, United States

Since December 4: 4-5-9 in 16 games

In another style, Thomas Harley, who was in Montreal with the Dallas Stars on Saturday, distinguished himself defensively. It’s been more than 30 consecutive minutes since he allowed a shorthanded goal. Only Dmitry Orlov goes through a longer streak. Additionally, Harley is among the 15 most productive defensemen at even strength in the NHL this year.

Rickard Rakell, AD, Suède

Since December 4: 12-10-22 in 18 games

Which Swede has scored the most goals since the selection was announced? Rickard Rakell. Most points? Rakell too. He alone has scored more goals in five weeks than Jesper Bratt, Elias Pettersson, Filip Forsberg and Mika Zibanejad combined! The problem? Since the start of December, no one in the NHL has been on the ice for even-strength goals as often as he has (32).

Mark Scheifele, C, Canada

Since December 4: 12-11-23 in 18 games

Incredible, but true: among the 15 Canadians who have scored the most goals since December 4, only two are part of the national team. During this interval, Mark Scheifele occupies the leading position, with 12 goals. The Winnipeg Jets center takes full advantage of his opportunities. His percentage of shots converted into goals is close to 30%, well above his career average (17%).

Robert Thomas, C, Canada

Since December 4: 8-13-21 in 18 games

One of the good young centers in the NHL. His setting aside surprised me all the more since the general manager of the Canadian team, Doug Armstrong, is also his boss with the St. Louis Blues. A broken ankle during auditions last fall took a toll on him. Since his return to play, he has produced at a rate of over a point per game.

Nick Suzuki, C, Canada

Since December 4: 3-14-17 in 17 matches

The Canadiens captain is at the heart of his team’s recent run of success. What impresses me most about him is his constant progress. Its production has been increasing for six years in a row. A good trend in view of the 2026 Olympic Games.

Cole Caufield, AG, United States

Since December 4: 7-10-17 in 17 matches

The American who has the most goals this season in the NHL? It’s him, tied with Kyle Connor. Although his power play goal production slowed after the arrival of Patrik Laine (no goals since November), Caufield compensated with better stats at even strength.

Jason Robertson, AG, United States

Since December 4: 6-15-21 in 18 games

How many active players who have played between 5 and 500 games in the NHL average more than one point per game? Only three: Kiriil Kaprizov, Cale Makar and Jason Robertson. A timid start to the season deprived the Stars winger of a selection. Since then, Robertson has moved up a gear. Among American forwards, only Kyle Connor has more points than him in the last five weeks.

Jonathan Marchessault, AD, Canada

Since December 4: 10-9-19 in 17 games

His start with his new team, the Nashville Predators, was modest. When the Canadian team unveiled its roster, the Quebec striker had only four goals on his record. His candidacy suffered. But since then, Marchessault has found his touches. He has scored points in 13 of his last 14 games. He is also the best scorer in the NHL at five-on-five since the start of December, with eight goals.

Mackenzie Blackwood, G, Canada

Since December 4: 8-3-1/.935/1.93

Since the pandemic, Mackenzie Blackwood had become a goalkeeper of some kind. Three consecutive seasons under a .900 save percentage killed the hope of him becoming an elite player. However, since his transfer from the San Jose Sharks to the Colorado Avalanche in December, he has regained his splendor. His 12 goals saved in the last five weeks (according to Natural Stat Trick) are an NHL high, tied with Linus Ullmark and Connor Hellebuyck. Excellent company. Fortunately for the Canadians, Adin Hill and Samuel Montembeault, already selected, have also been playing very well lately, and will represent two good options to start the matches.