NHL Power Rankings: Every team’s 4 Nations Face-Off participants

4 Nations Face-Off: NHL Stars Set to Shine in International Showdown

Mark your calendars, hockey fans! From February 12-20, the highly anticipated return of best-on-best international hockey featuring NHL players is finally here. The 4 Nations Face-Off will showcase the crème de la crème of NHL talent as the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden battle it out in a round-robin tournament, culminating in a championship game. This is the kind of hockey spectacle fans have been craving, and it promises to deliver unforgettable moments.

So, which NHL teams are sending the most firepower to this international stage? We’ve got the breakdown for you, along with the latest power rankings after a brief Thanksgiving hiatus. Let’s dive in!

How the Rankings Work

Our rankings are determined by a panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors. Each member submits a 1-32 poll based on games played through Wednesday, and the results are compiled into a master list. For reference, the previous rankings were published on November 22. Points percentages are accurate through Thursday’s games.

Top 12 Teams and Their 4 Nations Representatives

1. Minnesota Wild

   Previous ranking: 3
   Points percentage: 76.00%

   The Wild are flexing their international muscle with five players heading to the 4 Nations Face-Off. General Manager Bill Guerin, who also serves as Team USA’s GM, selected young stars Matt Boldy and Brock Faber. Sweden’s roster will feature Wild teammates Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, and goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

   Next seven days: @ ANA (Dec. 6), @ LA (Dec. 7), @ UTA (Dec. 10), vs. EDM (Dec. 12)

2. Washington Capitals

   Previous ranking: 4
   Points percentage: 72.00%

   Surprisingly, the Capitals have no players participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off, despite strong candidates like goaltender Logan Thompson, who seemed like a lock for Team Canada.

   Next seven days: @ TOR (Dec. 6), @ MTL (Dec. 7), @ CBJ (Dec. 12)

3. Winnipeg Jets

   Previous ranking: 1
   Points percentage: 70.37%

   The Jets are sending a trio of stars, one from each position group. Forward Kyle Connor and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will represent Team USA, while defenseman Josh Morrissey suits up for Canada.

   Next seven days: @ CHI (Dec. 7), vs. CBJ (Dec. 8), vs. BOS (Dec. 10), vs. VGK (Dec. 12)

4. Vegas Golden Knights

   Previous ranking: 10
   Points percentage: 68.52%

   Vegas is sending a star-studded lineup to the tournament, including four Canadians: Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore, and Adin Hill. Sweden’s William Karlsson and Team USA’s Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin round out the group.

   Next seven days: vs. DAL (Dec. 6), @ WPG (Dec. 12)

For the full breakdown of all 32 teams, including their rankings, points percentages, and 4 Nations participants, check out the original article here.

As the countdown to February begins, the excitement is palpable. Which team will dominate the 4 Nations Face-Off? Will the U.S. or Canada reclaim hockey supremacy, or will Finland or Sweden pull off a surprise? One thing’s for sure: this tournament is going to be a must-watch for hockey fans everywhere.