The injuries are starting to pile up for Team USA as they head into one of the most important hockey games for the sport in a long time. There has been much anticipation surrounding the U.S.-Canada matchup on Thursday night, a rematch of the red, white, and blue's 3-1 victory from Saturday night. Jack Hughes is ready for the matchup, and it appeared that he was going to be joined by his brother Quinn Hughes after Charlie McAvoy was ruled out, but that seems to be up in the air.
Because of the question marks surrounding Hughes' status, who wasn't on the original roster because of an injury, Team USA is looking at other options. Right now, they have six defensemen on the roster, as Jake Sanderson would be the most logical option to slide in with McAvoy and Hughes's injuries, but it appears the United States is taking precautions in case someone else gets sick or injured.
According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce is on the short list of replacements. He would be the four Devils player to play in the tournament, following Hughes, Jesper Bratt for Team Sweden, and Erik Haula for Team Finland. Both Haula and Bratt were eliminated when Canada won on Monday afternoon in regulation.
Hearing Team USA 🇺🇸 has invited #njdevils D Brett Pesce and #sabres C Tage Thompson to travel to Boston as insurance for potential illness / injury replacements ahead of clash versus Canada.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 19, 2025
USA would need to drop below roster minimum thresholds for either to enter lineup.
The rules surrounding the replacement players is complicated, so it's unlikely we even see Pesce in his country's jersey. Someone would of course have to get sick or injured, but they also couldn't skate. If they did, Pesce would have to leave the ice while the person he's replacing is on the ice, even for practice and warm ups.
Still, Pesce is probably thrilled with the opportunity to play in the biggest game for USA in more than a decade. More eyes will be on this hockey game than probably Stanley Cup games of years past. The exposure opportunity is unlimited.
It is a bummer for many who were rooting for Quinn Hughes to join his brother on Team USA. However, it's a great opportunity for a Devils defenseman.