Top Leafs Defenseman Closing in on Team Canada Call-Up, per Elliotte Friedman
One Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman could shockingly join the Four Nations for Canada after an injury, according to a new report from Elliotte Friedman.
Team Canada suffered a major blow as Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore was ruled out for the tournament with an injury suffered in the second period of Canada's 4-3 win in overtime against Team Sweden.
According to a new report from Elliotte Friedman, one name to watch with Shea Theodore out is Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev.
Friedman says that Chris Tanev, along with Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley, are two players to watch as potential options for an addition to the Canadian roster.
Theodore collided with Swedish forward Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings, with Theodore having to leave for the dressing room, and did not return.
Canadian head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Theodore is out for the tournament, with Vegas announcing he will be out week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
While the Four Nations rules do not permit additional roster adds once teams are finalized, one rule could see Tanev suddenly be an emergency add for Canada in the tournament.
Roster Rule Could Allow Leafs Defenseman To Join Four Nations
Although the rules don't allow for a player to join the tournament, if another injury is to happen to the roster, an emergency call-up can happen as per the laid-out rules.
In an article, Elliotte Friedman explained the rules of what teams can and can't do regarding injuries.
Canada, which already has a Leaf in Mitch Marner, could get another potential add in Chris Tanev alongside Marner if Canada is pressed further by injury.
Currently, both Canada and Chris Tanev are in wait as the team goes a man down looking to ensure gold even as injuries begin to creep into the roster.
