NHL Stars Tune In for 4 Nations Face-Off Despite In-Season Break
Much of the NHL will scatter to the winds next week for a rare 10-day in-season break—a chance to recharge and heal up ahead of the playoff push. But while they’re back home in Europe, lounging with families stateside, or sipping piña coladas on Caribbean beaches, most will keep an eye on the first high-stakes best-on-best hockey tournament since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
“It’s sick,” one player confided. “Best-on-best—that’s what everybody wants to see. I’m gonna watch.”
A Prime Showcase for Top Talent
The 4 Nations Face-Off may lack the history of the Olympics or the depth of field of a World Cup, but it will feature star-studded matchups. Imagine Connor McDavid squaring off against Auston Matthews, or Aleksander Barkov facing Elias Pettersson. Countless other thrilling confrontations await.
The tournament brings together the best players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States for a round-robin competition. The top two teams will face off in Boston on February 20 for the championship.
Player Opinions: Interest and Indifference
The Athletic surveyed 110 active players, asking if they were interested in the tournament. For the most part, players enthusiastically answered yes, with some notable exceptions.
Participants in the event are naturally interested, with 15 out of 16 surveyed expressing enthusiasm. However, the future also looms large. Players view the 4 Nations as an opportunity to audition for the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
“The last time we had a full international, best-on-best tournament was the World Cup, and that was a week before I made the NHL,” one Team Canada player said. “In my entire career, we haven’t had this. … With the Olympics next year, you want to perform well—obviously win the 4 Nations and hopefully be a part of more of these events in the next few seasons.”
Another player added, “Just because it’s a precursor to the Olympics, as a fan of hockey, I’m watching it. I remember growing up; those were just such big hockey moments. For hockey in general, it’s great.”
Players Not Participating in the Event
Some players, however, saw the tournament as a trade-off between competition and time off.
“I’d rather go back home to (my home country),” said one player. “I’d rather (have) a two-week break. It sucks you miss the two-week break, but it’s cool you’re playing against the best players right now.”
Several players also expressed disappointment that Russia, known for its top-tier players, was excluded.
“When our nation is not part of it, I don’t (care),” a Czech player said. “I will enjoy my break and get my body ready for the home stretch and hopefully a good playoff run.”
One Russian player voiced their frustration: “There should be Russia there, too.”
Canadian Pride and American Interest
Canadian players showed a greater inclination to watch, reflecting a sense of national pride.
The Diversity of Player Attitudes
Opinions among players were diverse, ranging from those who were deeply invested to those who took a more laid-back approach.
“Do I care about it? No,” one player admitted. “Do I think it’s a cool concept? Yes.”
Others viewed it as a way to make their break more eventful.
“That’s our break,” said another player. “But if we’re at a bar, I’ll definitely check and tune in. If it’s Canada-U.S. in the final, I’ll tune in.”
Improving Engagement and Growing the Sport
The league recognized the value of adding excitement during a typically quiet time in the sports calendar. Players understand the importance of international play in growing the sport.
“I think anything public like that is great for the league, just getting eyes on it,” one player noted. “It’s great for everyone.”
Others saw it as a solution to the boredom associated with the annual All-Star weekend.
“I think it’s cool. It’s something that will definitely grow the game.”
Despite its lack of traditional Olympic significance, the tournament promises to deliver high-quality hockey.
“It will be really good hockey,” one player predicted. “That’s what they’re going for.”
The Participants Remain Unanimously Enthusiastic
Of the participating players, all except one expressed interest in the event. Even the one player who wasn’t keen still recognized the importance of such a tournament.
“There should be Russia there, too,” he said. “I’ll watch U.S.-Canada, but that’s it.”
Conclusion: The 4 Nations Face-Off Promises Excitement and Engagement
The 4 Nations Face-Off presents a compelling event for hockey fans and players alike. It brings together the best players from North America and Europe, offers an opportunity to audition for major international competitions, and adds excitement to an otherwise quiet period in the NHL calendar.
As for the players, their varied responses highlight the human element of professional sports—a mix of enthusiasm, pragmatism, and a touch of apathy. Nevertheless, the tournament is sure to be a significant moment for hockey.
Upcoming Dates and Locations
The first ever #4Nations Face-Off is headed to Montreal and Boston, February 12-20, 2025. pic.twitter.com/U2QrHy6FLD
— NHL (@NHL) June 8, 2024
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic, with photos by Ric Tapia and Mark Blinch / Getty Images)
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