Hockey fans have waited years for a true best-on-best international tournament to return.
And while the excitement of a Four Nations Face-Off is undeniable, one thing we forgot about?
The drama surrounding roster snubs-especially when it comes to powerhouses like Team USA and Canada.
Every selection sparks debate, with fans dissecting every decision to see if it was the 'right call.'
This year, both teams seem to have opted for balance over sheer talent, crafting rosters with players in specific roles rather than picking the most skilled 20 skaters available.
While that approach makes sense strategically, it inevitably leads to some eyebrow-raising omissions.
For Team USA, Brock Boeser is one of the most notable names left off the list.
Coming off a 40-goal season, Boeser's name felt like a lock. But a slow start and a recent injury likely kept him from making the final cut.
Fans were quick to voice their frustration, especially when players like Chris Kreider, Brock Nelson, and Vincent Trocheck made the roster instead.
Other snubbed talents include Jason Robertson, Tage Thompson, Cole Caufield, and Clayton Keller, leaving many to question if the Americans left too much firepower at home.
For Boeser, the sting is likely amplified by missing the chance to skate alongside his Canucks teammates Quinn Hughes and J.T. Miller on the world stage.
Representing your country is always an honor, but doing so while battling alongside familiar faces makes it even more special.
While fans and analysts will continue to argue over whether these omissions were justified, one thing is certain: the debates, drama, and passion are part of what makes international hockey so compelling.
As the tournament gets underway, players on the bubble like Boeser will no doubt use this as motivation to prove they belong.
For now, the snubs remain a hot topic, fueling endless discussions in hockey circles worldwide.
