The United States chose dependable veterans over younger alternatives in picking its roster to compete against Canada, Sweden and Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first international tournament featuring the NHL’s best players in nearly a decade.
Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Brock Nelson of the rival Islanders were among the final 17 players chosen, with USA Hockey prioritizing experience from world championships and other events over future potential. General manager Bill Guerin said the depth of talent to choose from was a testament to the grassroots growth of the sport in the U.S.
“It was extremely challenging to get to a final roster,” said Guerin, the Minnesota Wild’s general manager. “Hockey in our country is strong and continuing to get better, and this team is no doubt a reflection of that.”
Dallas’ Jason Robertson, 25, Utah’s Clayton Keller, 26, and Buffalo’s Alex Tuch, 27, and Tage Thompson, …