Quinn Hughes Commitment to Team USA Under Scrutiny After Latest Comments
Quinn Hughes was supposed to be a big part of Team USA at the 4 Nations, but given his recent comments it looks like he won't be making the trip to Boston.
Team USA is going to face off against a vengeful Team Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff Finals; a team looking to hand the Americans a receipt after their first encounter.
But they will be without Quinn Hughes, who was supposed to be a member of the team but got hurt beforehand. He technically could make the trip to appear on Thursday but if his recent comments are to be believed; he's not going anywhere.
It doesn't sound like Hughes is fully committed to the tournament as a sure response would be more akin to "I'll be there" not "I wanna be there."
Though there's potential he doesn't want to travel all over North American either.
It's going to be tough for the American squad to go up against the Canadians especially with so many question marks regarding injuries.
So what can we expect from Team USA and Canada come Thursday?
Team USA Injury Concerns Should Have Canada Come Out With A Bang
With how the last game not only started; but ended, look for Team Canada to come out swinging during the Finals, both figuratively and literally.
If Hughes isn't going to make the trip, the U.S. team is going to suffer with a lack of defensemen, and are also dealing with several injuries that while expected to be a non-issue come Thursday; still leaves American fans a bit concerned.
Hughes at Canucks practice on Tuesday was also seen in a non-contact jersey, so it begs the question if he would even be healthy enough to play.
Charlie McAvoy is out, and Hughes being in a non-contact and the long travel; the U.S. might be shorthanded even with their replacement.
If the team is also missing names like Auston Matthews and the Tkachuk Brothers, it gives Canada a massive advantage especially given their healed have returned.
The Canadians certainly set the tone against Finland before giving everyone a bit of a scare before securing the victory, and they need the same starting fire against the Americans.
It'll be up to guys like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon to be the main catalysts but they need support from guys like Mitch Marner; who has been fairly quiet since game one.
With the hottest matchup in hockey about to take place on Thursday night from TD Garden in Boston, one thing is for certain:
It's going to be one for the ages.
