For hockey fans, February promises to be an electrifying month. From February 12-20, the world will witness the return of best-on-best international hockey featuring NHL stars in the much-anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off (4NFO). The event brings together elite players from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, competing in a round-robin format followed by a championship game. The stage is set for intense rivalries and unforgettable performances.
While rosters and schedules are now available, the real buzz centers on which NHL teams boast the strongest representation in the tournament. To complement this, here’s an updated set of power rankings based on recent NHL performances, following a brief Thanksgiving hiatus. Let’s explore the breakdown of team contributions to the 4NFO and their league standings.
1. Minnesota Wild
Previous Ranking: 3
Points Percentage: 76.00%
The Wild’s surge to the top of the rankings coincides with significant representation at the 4NFO. General Manager Bill Guerin, serving as Team USA’s GM, has brought two homegrown stars, Matt Boldy and Brock Faber, into the fold. Sweden’s roster also benefits from Minnesota’s talent pool with forward Joel Eriksson Ek, defenseman Jonas Brodin, and goaltender Filip Gustavsson. Minnesota’s impressive depth is a key factor behind their high points percentage.
Upcoming Schedule: @ ANA (Dec. 6), @ LA (Dec. 7), @ UTA (Dec. 10), vs. EDM (Dec. 12)
2. Washington Capitals
Previous Ranking: 4
Points Percentage: 72.00%
Surprisingly, despite their strong NHL performance, the Capitals have no players in the 4NFO rosters. Notably absent is Logan Thompson, a goaltender many expected to see representing Canada. While the Capitals focus solely on league play, they remain a formidable force in the NHL standings.
Upcoming Schedule: @ TOR (Dec. 6), @ MTL (Dec. 7), @ CBJ (Dec. 12)
3. Winnipeg Jets
Previous Ranking: 1
Points Percentage: 70.37%
Winnipeg’s balanced roster shines on the international stage, with one representative in each position group. Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck suit up for Team USA, while Josh Morrissey bolsters Canada’s defense. The Jets’ contributions highlight their diverse and talented lineup.
Upcoming Schedule: @ CHI (Dec. 7), vs. CBJ (Dec. 8), vs. BOS (Dec. 10), vs. VGK (Dec. 12)
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous Ranking: 10
Points Percentage: 68.52%
Vegas has six players headed to the 4NFO, including Canadian stars Mark Stone and Alex Pietrangelo. Joining them are William Karlsson (Sweden) and Jack Eichel (USA), among others. With their roster depth contributing heavily to the tournament, Vegas’s rise in the power rankings is well-earned.
Upcoming Schedule: vs. DAL (Dec. 6), @ WPG (Dec. 12)
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous Ranking: 9
Points Percentage: 68.00%
Toronto’s international representation is diverse. Auston Matthews (USA), William Nylander (Sweden), Mitch Marner (Canada), and Jani Hakanpaa (Finland) showcase the team’s global talent. As the Leafs aim to maintain consistency in the NHL, their stars will be pivotal in February’s competition.
Upcoming Schedule: vs. WSH (Dec. 6), @ PIT (Dec. 7), @ NJ (Dec. 10), vs. ANA (Dec. 12)
6. New Jersey Devils
Previous Ranking: 7
Points Percentage: 64.29%
The Devils’ revival continues, both in league play and on the international stage. Four players will participate in the 4NFO, including rising star Jack Hughes (USA) and Sweden’s Jesper Bratt. This representation reflects the team’s blend of youth and experience.
Upcoming Schedule: vs. SEA (Dec. 6), vs. COL (Dec. 8), vs. TOR (Dec. 10), vs. LA (Dec. 12)
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous Ranking: 2
Points Percentage: 67.31%
Carolina’s strong campaign features three players at the 4NFO, including Sebastian Aho for Finland. While the tournament’s four-team format limits participation, the Hurricanes’ stars are ready to shine.
Upcoming Schedule: @ NYI (Dec. 7), vs. SJ (Dec. 10)
8. Dallas Stars
Previous Ranking: 8
Points Percentage: 64.00%
The Stars’ contributions to Finland’s roster are noteworthy, with Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz leading the way. Jake Oettinger (USA) also highlights Dallas’s defensive prowess, making them a key team to watch both in the NHL and internationally.
Upcoming Schedule: @ VGK (Dec. 6), vs. CGY (Dec. 8), vs. NSH (Dec. 12)
9. Los Angeles Kings
Previous Ranking: 11
Points Percentage: 63.46%
Adrian Kempe represents Sweden as the Kings’ sole participant in the 4NFO. Although injuries have sidelined other potential players, LA’s depth ensures their competitive edge in league play.
Upcoming Schedule: vs. MIN (Dec. 7), @ NYI (Dec. 10), @ NJ (Dec. 12)
10. Florida Panthers
Previous Ranking: 5
Points Percentage: 62.96%
As reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers boast a star-studded lineup for the 4NFO. Key contributors include Aleksander Barkov (Finland), Gustav Forsling (Sweden), and Matthew Tkachuk (USA). Florida’s representation underscores their continued dominance.
Upcoming Schedule: vs. SJ (Dec. 7), @ SEA (Dec. 10), @ VAN (Dec. 12)
Remaining Teams Overview:
11. Boston Bruins
Brad Marchand leads Canada’s charge, with USA’s Charlie McAvoy and Sweden’s Elias Lindholm adding international flair. Boston remains a team to watch in both the NHL and the 4NFO.
12. Vancouver Canucks
With Elias Pettersson (Sweden) and Quinn Hughes (USA), the Canucks bring creativity and skill to the tournament. Their performances will be pivotal in both international and league play.
13. Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid’s presence on Canada’s roster is a given, but Viktor Arvidsson (Sweden) adds depth. Edmonton’s stars are poised for big moments.
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
With Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, the Penguins remain a veteran powerhouse contributing significantly to Canada’s strength.
15. New York Rangers
Igor Shesterkin (Russia) and Adam Fox (USA) ensure the Rangers remain highly influential in any international hockey event.
16. Colorado Avalanche
Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon dominate for Team Canada, making the Avalanche a crucial team in league and international play.
17. Calgary Flames
Nazem Kadri and Elias Lindholm (Sweden) provide critical offensive depth for the Flames and their respective national teams.
18. Buffalo Sabres
Rasmus Dahlin (Sweden) and Tage Thompson (USA) highlight Buffalo’s growing influence in the NHL and 4NFO.
19. Seattle Kraken
Matty Beniers represents the USA, while Andre Burakovsky suits up for Sweden, showcasing Seattle’s young but impactful roster.
20. Arizona Coyotes
Clayton Keller (USA) and Karel Vejmelka (Czech Republic) provide talent on the international stage.
21. Detroit Red Wings
Lucas Raymond (Sweden) and Moritz Seider (Germany) highlight Detroit’s significant European talent pool.
22. St. Louis Blues
Jordan Kyrou (Canada) leads a younger generation of Blues stars gaining prominence internationally.
23. Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnny Gaudreau and Zach Werenski (USA) ensure Columbus remains relevant at both NHL and international levels.
24. Nashville Predators
Juuse Saros (Finland) and Roman Josi (Switzerland) continue to shine for Nashville internationally.
25. Philadelphia Flyers
Carter Hart (Canada) is a standout among Flyers representatives at the 4NFO.
26. San Jose Sharks
William Eklund (Sweden) represents the Sharks’ promising future.
27. Ottawa Senators
Tim Stützle (Germany) and Thomas Chabot (Canada) reflect Ottawa’s growing potential.
28. Montreal Canadiens
Nick Suzuki (Canada) highlights Montreal’s young core gaining prominence.
29. Anaheim Ducks
Leo Carlsson (Sweden) is a name to watch as Anaheim’s top contributor.
30. Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard’s debut with Canada offers a glimpse into Chicago’s bright future.
31. New York Islanders
Ilya Sorokin (Russia) stands out as one of the NHL’s top goaltenders.
32. Tampa Bay Lightning
Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov remain icons for Canada and Russia, respectively.
Analysis of the 4 Nations Face-Off
The 4NFO serves as both a showcase of global hockey talent and a reflection of NHL teams’ contributions to the international stage. It highlights the depth of talent across franchises while allowing fans to cheer for their favorite players in a unique setting. Teams like the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights exemplify this dual significance, as their performances in both the NHL and the 4NFO underline their strength.
This year’s format also brings focus to player versatility. For instance, Toronto’s Mitch Marner and Colorado’s Cale Makar are expected to transition seamlessly between their league and national team roles, proving their adaptability and elite skillsets. Meanwhile, young players like Leo Carlsson of Sweden (Anaheim Ducks) will use the tournament to establish their presence on the global stage.
Final Thoughts
The 4 Nations Face-Off is more than just a hockey tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport’s global appeal and the incredible talent within the NHL. While the power rankings highlight the best in league play, the international stage provides a unique opportunity for stars to shine in new ways. From veterans like Sidney Crosby (Canada) to rising stars like Jack Hughes (USA), February promises unforgettable moments.
As we look forward to the tournament, one thing is certain: the hockey world will be watching, and the competition will be fierce. Whether you’re a fan of the Wild, Capitals, or any other team, the 4NFO is set to deliver world-class action.
