Quinn Hughes Unlikely to Join Team USA for 4 Nations Final in Boston

Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain and reigning Norris Trophy winner, will not join Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada due to not being medically cleared to play. Despite previous indications from U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan that Hughes would travel to Boston as an injury replacement, the defenseman remained in Vancouver practicing in a non-contact jersey. Team USA is considering recalling other players due to a virus affecting the team, while they have already lost defenseman Charlie McAvoy to injury. Hughes expressed his desire to play but acknowledged the constraints of the tournament rules, which prevent him from participating unless other players are injured. The situation remains fluid as the championship game approaches, and Team USA continues to assess their roster options. Ultimately, Hughes' health takes precedence, and he will have future opportunities to represent his country.