‘Hockey Sense and Versatility’: How Team USA Built Its 4 Nations Roster
Picture this: a few days before Thanksgiving, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin is in Columbus, scouting the Blue Jackets. After the game, he heads out for dinner and drinks with his assistant GM, Chris Kelleher. It’s a typical night for a hockey executive—until it isn’t.
As the restaurant starts to clear out, in walk a few Blue Jackets players, including defenseman Zach Werenski and his fiancée, Odette Peters. The couple stops by to say hello before sitting at their table. That’s when Kelleher leans over to Guerin and asks, “Should we tell him tonight? We won’t be able to tell many of the guys in person.”
Guerin calls Werenski and Peters back over. “I just need you guys to pick up the check; I forgot my wallet,” he jokes. Peters fires back, “I’ll buy your dinner if you put him on Team USA!”
Guerin grins. “All right, you’re buying,” he says. “Because he’s in.”
What followed was a moment of pure joy—hugs, smiles, and, yes, Guerin paying his own tab. It was a sentimental start to what would be a whirlwind Thanksgiving for the Team USA GM, who spent the holiday making calls to the rest of the players who made the 23-man Four Nations roster.
Reactions That Hit Home
The reactions from players were priceless. Rangers forward Chris Kreider told Guerin he’d do whatever it takes—even scrub the floors. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who desperately wanted the nod, called it one of the greatest achievements of his career when he found out he was in. “Noah Hanifin was like, ‘Let’s goooo!’” Guerin shared. “He couldn’t believe it.”
Then there was J.T. Miller, currently on personal leave with the Vancouver Canucks. “He’s working on things,” Guerin said. “But for us to stick with him, I think that meant a lot. It was a great conversation.”
A Long-Awaited Showcase
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a best-on-best international tournament with NHL players—the last one was the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The Four Nations Tournament in February, replacing the NHL’s typical All-Star weekend, is a long-overdue showcase of how much the game has grown, especially in the United States.
Building the roster was no easy task. Guerin and his management team worked closely with Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, who will serve as Team USA’s head coach. “We have arguably the deepest pool of players in a long time in terms of guys who were in the conversation to make this team,” Sullivan said.
The Selection Process
Guerin and Sullivan revealed that the selection process was meticulous. They weren’t just building a team to win a short tournament; they were also laying the groundwork for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the first Olympic hockey tournament to feature NHL players in 12 years.
“The biggest thing was hockey sense and versatility,” Guerin explained. “There’s hardly any practice time. High hockey sense people. Guys that can play on the first to the fourth line.”
They also prioritized players who could switch between center and wing, knowing injuries or illnesses are inevitable. “Competitive spirit was also a high priority,” Sullivan added. “Every team is going to have talent. It’s going to take more than talent to win this tournament.”
Balancing Experience and Youth
Team USA had to strike the right balance between seasoned veterans and rising stars. While they considered players like Patrick Kane and Ryan McDonagh, they ultimately leaned on accomplished players in their prime, like Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, and Charlie McAvoy. “These guys are the next generation, and they have won,” Guerin said. “Those are our older guys now—they’re 27 and 28.”
Leaving off Kane, widely regarded as the greatest American-born player, was especially tough. Guerin met with Kane in person to deliver the news. “It was difficult,” Guerin admitted. “He’s going to be a Hall of Famer, but he’s a Hall of Fame human being too. He couldn’t have handled it any better.”
Surprises and Snubs
Some decisions came down to the wire. Players like Cole Caufield and Tage Thompson, both having stellar seasons, didn’t make the cut but remain in consideration for the 2026 Olympics. Meanwhile, Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor forced his way onto the team with a breakout year. “It was a no-brainer,” Guerin said.
Another surprise inclusion was Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders. Sullivan called him a “Swiss army knife” for his versatility. “He can play center, he can play wing, he can take faceoffs, he can kill, he can power play,” Guerin said.
Family Ties and Emotional Tributes
The roster features two sets of brothers—Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, and Jack and Quinn Hughes. Sullivan, who will coach his son-in-law Charlie McAvoy, called it a “great story for American hockey and families.”
In a touching tribute, the team will wear helmet decals honoring Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August. Johnny had represented Team USA in several international tournaments.
Looking Ahead
Team USA will open the tournament against Finland on Feb. 13, followed by a primetime showdown with Canada on Feb. 15 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The championship game is set for Feb. 20 in Boston.
“We don’t want to focus on just beating Canada,” Guerin said. “We need to just worry about us and our game plan. That’s what’s really going to give us success.”
With a roster built on hockey sense, versatility, and competitive spirit, Team USA is ready to take on the world. As Sullivan put it, “To represent your nation is an incredible honor. These types of events don’t come around very often.”
Originally Written by: Kristen Shilton
