Auston Matthews Urged to Withdraw From 4 Nations Face-Off After New NHL Policy Update
With the 4 Nations Face-Off only a few weeks away, Toronto might want to keep Auston Matthews away, and given there's no real punishment for it, he should agree.
Though it wasn't a surprise to see Auston Matthews selected to Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off however there are concerns about him potentially reaggravating the same injury that's kept him out 15 games this season.
So with news that Alex Pietrangelo has decided to pull out of the tournament due to focusing on staying healthy and being his best for the rest of the regular season, Matthews should do the same and the NHL won't even be too upset if he decides to pass.
The NHL Has No Punishment For Missing 4 Nations Face-Off
Unlike the All-Star Game, which hasn't really had a feeling of true excitement since the early 2000s, the 4 Nations Face-Off is more of an extended exhibition as opposed to a one weekend affair.
So teams and players won't be punished if players take themselves out and don't risk losing a game which begs the question as to why more players aren't backing out due to potential injury risks.
Knowing the team won't be shorthanded if Matthews pulls out, they should try and persuade him as best as possible to skip.
Yes, the captain is as passionate and dedicated as ever to US Hockey, but he's always going to get a call, and if this is a yearly event; he's really only missing the first.
They should also do the same with Jani Hakanpaa and Team Finland, as they are still unsure if he is going to play beforehand, play in the tournament at all, or if he'll actually get healthy enough to play down the stretch.
While it may irk the NHL that their premium players are potentially not going to participate, they should focus on their players more than their pockets.
The tournament will generate a lot of revenue, but so will the remaining season and playoff games and risking losing your best players is a big gamble.
This season, even missing those aforementioned 15 games; Matthews has 20 goals and 18 assists in 35 games.
Toronto and Auston Matthews need to have a chit-chat about the 4 Nations Face-Off and come to a decision that helps everyone.
The best case would be him passing on playing, but it's ultimately his decision and if he does decide to play:
Then hopefully he just stays healthy.
