Colorado Avalanche could have a major presence at the 4 Nations tournament

The NHL is introducing a relatively novel idea this season. Instead of the traditional All-Star game, the league will be holding the 4 Nations tournament in mid-February. The nations featured in this edition are Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden.

The purpose of this tournament is to showcase the NHL’s best players representing their native countries. For players like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, it marks the first time they will wear their home country’s jerseys in international competition.

The tourney was conceived as an alternative to major international competitions such as the Olympics or a World Cup event.

But the tourney will also be the first time Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon will represent Canada in an official international tournament. The same goes for Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen.

MacKinnon and Makar have been announced to Canada’s preliminary roster, while Rantanen has been confirmed for Finland’s national squad. It’s worth pointing out that this international tournament is organized by the NHL and not the IIHF. That’s an important distinction as the tourney will be played under NHL rules, not international ice hockey ones.

Beyond the tournament specifics, the Colorado Avalanche could have a significant presence at the 4 Nations event. In addition to MacKinnon, Makar, and Rantanen other Avalanche players could crack their country’s respective rosters.

Let’s take a look at who could be in the mix for a spot on their respective teams’ rosters.

Three Colorado Avalanche players who could be in the mix for a spot in the 4 Nations tournament

Casey Mittelstadt

The Minnesota native could get a crack at the US team. The US side will most likely be captained by Matthews. While the US has enviable center depth, Mittelstadt could be in the mix for a bottom-six role in what looks to be an extremely deep US squad.

Mittelstadt could play a key role as a third-line center. His speed and well-rounded game could provide the US with the sort of reliable center that can also score goals beyond the top two lines. I would be shocked to see Mittelstadt not get an invite to the US team unless he expresses his desire not to participate.

Artturi Lehkonen

Lehkonen could be a key player in Finland’s roster. The Finns are deep up front with superstars like Sasha Barkov and Rantanen leading the way.

Lehkonen could provide a highly talented top-six option for Finland’s side. I could envision him playing alongside another highly skilled, versatile center in Roope Hintz. Perhaps dropping Lehkonen to a third-line slot could give the Finns significant flexibility, especially when facing teams like Canada and the US.

Devon Toews

Toews may be a bit of a long shot to make Canada’s final roster. With a number of extremely talented blueliners potentially making the Canadian team, there might not be enough room for Toews.

Nevertheless, injuries and players declining participation could open up a spot for Toews as a “depth” defenseman on the Canadian squad.

It’s incredible to call Toews a “depth” defenseman, but given Canada’s depth, that could be the case for Toews in this situation.

Toews could easily slot in the bottom pair or as a seventh defenseman. Nevertheless, Toews could easily get into the lineup, easily becoming one of the best blueliners in the tournament.

We’ll have to wait a few months before the final rosters are announced. So, stay tuned!