USA adds Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes but he might not be allowed to play in 4 Nations final
Quinn Hughes was reportedly “agonizing” over the decision to play for his country or rest up for the Vancouver Canucks’ stretch run, but it appears he may get to do both.
The Canucks captain is heading to Boston just in time to suit up for Team USA in Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada.
Except, he might not be allowed to play.
“Quinn Hughes is coming,” Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters today. What he didn’t say is if the reigning Norris Trophy winner will be in the lineup.
Hughes is an injury replacement for Charlie McAvoy, who was ruled out earlier in the day. But the rules for injury replacements in this tournament are a little bit murky.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman is reporting that USA needs another injury in order for Hughes to play in Thursday’s final.
I’m told another injury is needed for Quinn Hughes to play
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 18, 2025
That would follow the same protocol Canada had to follow with regards to adding Dallas Stars defenceman Thomas Harley over the weekend. Harley wasn’t even allowed to practice with Canada until the team proved it couldn’t dress six healthy defencemen following injuries to Shea Theodore and Cale Makar.
It was just nine days ago that Hughes had pulled out of the 4 Nations tournament due to injury. The 25-year-old blueliner hasn’t played since January 31, reportedly due to an oblique injury. Hughes had been playing through a hand injury prior to that.
Hughes has never had the opportunity to represent his country at a best-on-best tournament. Getting a chance to join Team USA would be extra meaningful for the Canucks star, given his brother, New Jersey Devils centre Jack Hughes, is also on the team.
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