Joey Daccord: The Goalie Caught Between Three Nations
SEATTLE — Imagine being so talented that three different countries want you to represent them on the international stage. That’s the unique position Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord finds himself in. Whether it’s the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off in February or even the 2026 Olympics, Hockey Canada might just come calling for the 28-year-old netminder. But here’s the twist: Daccord isn’t just Canadian. He’s also American and Swiss. Confused yet? Let’s break it down.
Daccord, who boasts a solid 10-6-1 record this season with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage, has been floated as a potential option for Canada at the 4 Nations event. But his eligibility has sparked plenty of questions. After all, the Massachusetts native has never represented any country in an official International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) event. That means, technically, he’s still a free agent on the international stage.
Three Passports, One Big Decision
Born and raised in Greater Boston, Daccord is an American citizen. But thanks to his father, who grew up in Canada, and his mother, who hails from Switzerland, he also holds Canadian and Swiss citizenship. In an interview with ESPN in early November, Daccord confirmed he has official documentation from all three nations. So, which country will he choose? That’s where things get tricky.
The IIHF, hockey’s international governing body, confirmed to ESPN that Daccord would be eligible to play for Canada if he meets their requirements. According to IIHF rules, players with multiple citizenships must prove they’ve played in a league in the country they wish to represent for at least 16 consecutive months after their 10th birthday. Daccord checks that box for Canada, having spent two seasons playing for the Ottawa Senators and their AHL and ECHL affiliates, the Belleville Senators and Brampton Beast, between 2019 and 2021.
However, since the 4 Nations Face-Off is an NHL/NHLPA event and not IIHF-sanctioned, Daccord could hypothetically play for either the U.S. or Canada without locking himself into one nation for future IIHF events like the Olympics. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN that the league would consider each player’s eligibility on a case-by-case basis, adding that they’d likely use IIHF guidelines as a reference.
Switzerland’s Interest and the Olympic Dream
Interestingly, Switzerland has been eyeing Daccord for years. The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation first reached out to him when he was just 17 years old. More recently, they explored the possibility of him playing for them in the 2026 Olympics. While Daccord said he was open to the idea, he hasn’t committed to Switzerland—or any country, for that matter.
“Nobody has asked me about anything. Nobody has talked to me about anything,” Daccord told ESPN in November. “Switzerland has looked into it, but as far as I know, they were told no because I’ve never played or lived over there.”
If Daccord had chosen Switzerland, he would’ve joined a team currently ranked fifth in the IIHF standings, featuring NHL stars like Nico Hischier, Kevin Fiala, and Roman Josi. But for now, the door remains open for Canada or the U.S. to make their pitch.
Canada’s Goaltending Dilemma
Canada enters the 4 Nations Face-Off as the favorite, boasting a star-studded roster that includes Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. But their goaltending situation is less certain. Potential options include Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembeault, among others. While some of these goalies have impressive resumes, none have the same star power as the U.S.’s Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner.
Meanwhile, Daccord has quietly been making a name for himself. A seventh-round pick in 2015, he spent years developing in the AHL before becoming a full-time NHL player in the 2023-24 season. Last year, he posted a 2.46 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage, ranking sixth among goalies with more than 25 games played. This season, he’s continued to impress, starting the week with a 5.9 goals saved above expected, good for 10th in the NHL.
What’s Next for Daccord?
For now, Daccord is keeping his options open. “I’ve never really been asked to play for a country at any level or any age, so I’ve never had that situation come up,” he said. “Obviously, it’s an incredible honor to play for your country. I feel blessed and grateful that I have three different nationalities and come from a diverse family background. … I feel strongly about all three nations and would definitely feel proud to represent any of them on the international level.”
With the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Olympics on the horizon, the clock is ticking for Daccord to make his choice. Will he suit up for Canada, the U.S., or Switzerland? One thing’s for sure: whichever team lands him will be getting a goalie on the rise.
Originally Written by: Ryan S. Clark
