Vancouver Canucks forward JT Miller has been selected to represent the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The official announcement came Wednesday afternoon, although it was expected that Miller would be part of the roster after a report earlier this week stated that Team USA “fully expected” Miller to be available for the tournament. Miller has been away from the Canucks since November 18th, and it’s still unknown when he’ll return to the club from his indefinite leave of absence.
Miller joins the USA forward group with Auston Matthews* (Toronto Maple Leafs), Matthew Tkachuk* (Florida Panthers), Jack Eichel* (Vegas Golden Knights), Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild), Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets), Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning), Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils), Chris Kreider (New York Rangers), Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Brock Nelson (New York Islanders), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators) and Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers).
The USA defence corps is highlighted by Miller’s teammate, Quinn Hughes*, as well as Adam Fox* (New York Rangers), Charlie McAvoy* (Boston Bruins), Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild), Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights), Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes) and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets).
The trio in the crease for the Americans are Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets), Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars) and Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins).
*players who were selected back in June as part of Team Sweden’s six preliminary selections.
Miller won’t be joined by linemate Brock Boeser at the tournament, as Boeser was not included on Team USA’s roster. He has six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 17 games this season. Nor was Canucks Vezina runner-up goaltender Thatcher Demko. Demko has yet to suit up in NHL action this season. The duo are projected to be heavily considered as extra injury spots for Team USA.
Earlier in the day, Elias Pettersson (Sweden) and Kevin Lankinen (Finland) were selected to represent their countries at the tournament, bringing the Canucks’ total number of players at the tournament to four.
The 4 Nations Face-off kicks off in February, with Pettersson taking on Team Canada on Wednesday the 12th. Miller, Hughes and Team USA will have to wait until night two when they take on Lankinen and Team Finland.
