The New Jersey Devils had three players who played in the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and Boston. Jack Hughes represented Team USA, Jesper Bratt represented Team Sweden, and Erik Haula represented Team Finland. They all made impacts in their own way and should use this experience as a positive going into the second half of the NHL season. Now, it's even possible that Brett Pesce gets into the championship game after he was called upon with Charlie McAvoy being ruled out.
However, there are a few players who didn't make the team for the 4 Nation Face-Off that should easily make it for when NHL players return to the Olympics in 2026. For one, some countries aren't represented here, but they will have a chance in Milan. Next year, the NHL's stars will head to Italy to represent their countries again. After how well the 4 Nations has been received, especially by the American audience, we expect it to be even better when they get on the international stage.
So, who are the players who are going to get a chance to represent their country that had no chance at the 4 Nations Face-Off?
Jacob Markstrom
Team Sweden
Jacob Markstrom was not able to suit up for Team Sweden because he injured his knee a few weeks ago. He was named as a member of the team before the injury, so the assumption is that he will still be one of the three best Swedish goalies in the world at the time of next year's tournament. Markstrom has represented Sweden on multiple occassions, including at multiple IIHF World Championships, at the World Juniors, and at the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. However, this would be his first and only chance to represent them at the Olympic Games. We don't think anything would let him pass that up.