Charlie McAvoy suffered an upper-body injury that became infected, causing him to miss Team USAās decisive matchup against Team Canada in the NHLās Four Nations Face-Off Final. Though McAvoy wonāt dress for the American team, he will still represent the Stars and Stripes, as he made clear in his latest social media post.
McAvoyās absence will be a focal point for the USA as they vye to contain a star-studded offense in Team Canada. Jake Sanderson will fill in for the Boston Bruinsā defender against the Canadians.
While McAvoyās injury was a huge blow for the red, white, and blue, the 27-year-old defenseman will still be supporting his teammates, hoping for a win that would snap the USAās championship drought, with their last trophy coming during the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
On the eve of the marquee matchup involving two countries with a lot of history and animosity on the rink, McAvoy posted a clear message with his post on Instagram stories, sending a clear message to the rest of Team USA as he left the hospital.
Charlie McAvoy #25 of the United States takes questions during media day ahead of the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
āFree as a bird,ā McAvoy stated on his story, along with a photograph of him listening to Lynyrd Skynyrdās āFree Birdā in his car. Team USA has used the hit as its goal song during the best-on-best tournament.
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What happens if Team USA win, tie or lose vs Canada in 2025 4 Nations Face-Off final?
No Hughes brothers connection
After much buzz and speculation, star Quinn Hughes wasnāt eligible to suit up for Team USA and didnāt travel to Boston ahead of the biggest game of the NHL season so far.
Thus, Jack Hughes wonāt be able to fulfill his dream of playing alongside his older brother in the NHLās best-on-best competition. However, the two are aware that theyāll have many more opportunities to play together in the future, and the youngest sibling, Luke, could join them as well.
