Which Current NHL Injuries Could Affect 4-Nations Face-Off Rosters?

The NHL’s 4-Nations Face-Off begins on Feb. 12 in Montreal, which means any injuries right now could affect the rosters.

The most significant potential absence appeared to be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews, who had two long stints on injured reserve in the first half of the regular season.

The reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner returned to the Maple Leafs lineup last week and looks like he will be able to play. Still, there are other players whose participation is in question on the United States, Finland and Sweden. Each team's management will have to determine whether they can take part and, if they cannot, who will be ready to step in.

Finland

Erik Haula: The veteran left winger suffered an ankle sprain against the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 4 that the New Jersey Devils thought would only keep him out a few days, but New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe indicated that he could miss a few weeks. Haula is a depth forward who can play center and wing, so Finland must find someone with equal versatility.

Jani Hakanpaa: The hulking blueliner was a slightly surprising selection since he missed all of the Dallas Stars' run to the Western Conference final, all of training camp and the first month of the regular season with Toronto recovering from a knee injury. He played two games with the Leafs before undergoing another surgical procedure.

Hakanpaa began skating this week in Toronto, but his uncertain return must have the Finns looking at other options, such as the Buffalo Sabres’ Henri Jokiharju, as a possible replacement.

Related: 4 Nations Face-Off Roster Tracker: Canada, USA, Sweden And Finland Unveiled

Sweden

Linus Ullmark: The former Vezina Trophy winner had a slightly slow start with the Ottawa Senators, but he was a key contributor to their December surge that vaulted them into an Eastern Conference playoff spot. But Ullmark was placed on injured reserve with back issues at the end of the month, and his availability three weeks later is still uncertain. Philadelphia’s Samuel Ersson or Sens backup Anton Forsberg could step in to back up Jacob Markstrom and Filip Gustavsson.

Jonas Brodin: The veteran defenseman suffered a lower-body injury on Jan. 7 against the St. Louis Blues and has missed the last three games despite being considered day-to-day. Although details are scant, Brodin’s injury does not seem to be of long-term concern, which makes his availability for the 4 Nations likely.

Related: NHL Players Who Could Be On The Move Before 4 Nations Face-Off

United States

Brock Faber: The Calder Trophy runner-up was injured in the same game as Brodin after a hit from Blues forward Jake Neighbours. The 22-year-old is a minute-eater. He practised with other injured Wild teammates on Tuesday, and it is possible that he could return as soon as this weekend. If the USA needs another defender at any point, the Washington Capitals' John Carlson and Ottawa Senators' Jake Sanderson are potential replacements.

Chris Kreider: The 33-year-old left winger’s numbers have declined this season, which has generated trade speculation as the New York Rangers sit outside of a playoff spot. But Kreider has been battling back issues, which led to a stint on IR. He is returning on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche, but his participation next month will be contingent on his back not flaring up. The U.S. has a deep bench at forward, including potential replacements Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch of the Sabres and Utah Hockey Club captain Clayton Keller.

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