The rosters for the upcoming 4 Nations tournament have been announced, and it’s causing quite a stir among hockey fans in Quebec. Only one Quebecer, Jonathan Drouin, made the cut for Team Canada, while three Montreal Canadiens players were left off their respective national teams.
The most surprising snubs were Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, both of whom had impressive performances in the playoffs last season. Suzuki, who hails from London, Ontario, was not selected for Team Canada, despite being a key player for the Canadiens during their run to the Stanley Cup Final. Caufield, a Wisconsin native, was also left off Team USA’s roster, despite being a top prospect and scoring 12 goals in 20 games for the Canadiens last season.
Many fans and analysts are questioning the decisions to leave Suzuki and Caufield off their national teams, especially considering their strong performances in the NHL. However, it’s worth noting that the 4 Nations tournament is not as prestigious as other international competitions, such as the World Championships or the Olympics. This may have played a role in the selection process.
On the other hand, Drouin’s inclusion on Team Canada’s roster is a testament to his skill and consistency on the ice. The 26-year-old forward has been a key player for the Canadiens since joining the team in 2017, and his selection for the 4 Nations tournament is well-deserved.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Canadiens have a diverse roster, with players from various countries including Russia, Finland, and Sweden. This further highlights the global nature of the sport and the talent that exists beyond just Canadian and American players.
While it may be disappointing for Suzuki and Caufield to not make their national teams, it’s important to remember that this is just one tournament and there will be many more opportunities for them to represent their countries in the future. In the meantime, they can continue to focus on their development and success with the Canadiens.
The 4 Nations tournament will take place from November 4-7 in Finland, and it will be interesting to see how Drouin and the other Canadiens players perform on the international stage. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the Canadiens have a strong and diverse group of players, and their representation in the 4 Nations tournament is a testament to their talent and hard work.
