The 4 Nations Face-Off reinvigorated the fans' appetite for best-on-best hockey. After years without it, the fans were treated to a spectacle during this year's break, headlined by a pair of battles between the United States and Canada. Our next chances to witness the NHLs best collide will come during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy this February.
After the break last February, I speculated which Carolina Hurricanes were likely to suit up and represent their countries. On Monday, we got our first glimpse into what each roster will look like. All 12 participating nations announced the first six players on their rosters, with a few current and former Hurricanes earning the nod to represent on the world's biggest stage.
Aho, Andersen headline the current roster members heading to Italy
To no one's surprise, Sebastian Aho and Frederik Andersen were among the first six names for Finland and Denmark, respectively. Aho was chosen when the original group was announced for Finland before the 4 Nations, donning an "A" for the team as they finished fourth in February. Aho accounted for two assists in Finland's three games.
While Denmark didn't participate in the tournament during the NHL break, Andersen played a large role in his home country earning a spot in the Olympic games. He was incredible during qualifying, allowing four goals in three games shortly before the regular season began. Andersen made 30 stops against Norway to secure the Danes' participation.
Former Hurricanes getting the nod
A few old friends also got the call to participate as the preliminary selections were announced. Martin Necas and Mikko Rantanen had their paths cross this season, and they'll cross again in Italy at the Olympics. This will be their first times representing their countries at the winter games as Rantanen and Aho reunite.
This is not the first time Nino Niederriter has been an Olympian. The former Hurricane represented Switzerland the last time NHL players participated in 2014. Niederriter didn't record a point in four games for the Swiss over a decade ago, but he's been a mainstay on the national team for many years, including the last two seasons when Switzerland finished second at the World Championships.
More to come?
Jaccob Slavin was one of the standout performers from the 4 Nations tournament for the United States. While he was pointless in four games, Slavin's shutdown defense was all anyone could talk about. For many, it cemented his status as the league's best defensive defenseman. His exclusion from the first six is very surprising, but he should be a lock to represent the United States in February.
The rest of the Canes' roster doesn't have many likely options for the 12 participating nations. Seth Jarvis feels like the most likely to earn a spot after helping Team Canada win gold at the 4 Nations. Jarvis should have the inside track with the Canadians, especially after back-to-back 30-goal campaigns.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi is another name to watch. He wasn't on Team Finland at the 4 Nations, though I'd imagine he was close. Goaltending prospect Nikita Quapp might have an outside chance to crack the German team, though it might be wishful thinking. Russia's exclusion prevents Andrei Svechnikov, Dmitry Orlov, and Alexander Nikishin from being considered.
The preliminary round for the Olympics begins on February 11th. Aho and the Finns are the defending gold medalists, despite no NHL involvement in 2022. They'll have their hands full with rival Sweden, Slovakia, and Italy during the group stage. Andersen and Denmark are in the same group as the United States, along with a stout German team and Latvia.