The first three are expected to play, but the Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that McAvoy has been ruled out for the final after being hospitalized. In response, Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters that the team has called on Vancouver Canucks star defenseman Quinn Hughes to travel to Boston as a potential replacement.

A day after Team USA coach Mike Sullivan said that Quinn Hughes was headed to Boston to replace injured Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, the Canucks superstar defenseman remains in Western Canada.

Quinn Hughes is on standby for the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Whether the Vancouver Canucks captain gets into Thursday's final against Canada remains to be seen.

The United States said Wednesday it is still planning on having extra players available for the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; Disney+, ESPN+, ESPN, SN, TVAS). Quinn Hughes,

The United States didn't have to sacrifice much when looking for a replacement for injured defenseman Charlie McAvoy in the 4 Nations Face-Off final: Reigning Norris Trophy winner

With Charlie McAvoy in the hospital and officially ruled out of the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday night, Vancouver Canucks defenseman and reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes is on his way to Boston,

The United States and Canada will be playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Thursday and Team USA will have a bit of unexpected help in the form of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes.

What's best for country isn't always what's best for club, as made clear by this week's dance among the Canucks, Team USA and the NHL.

The USA took some casualties during the round-robin portion of the 4 Nations Face-Off, which included a 3-1 win over Canada to secure a spot in the championship. Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews both sat out the Americans' matchup with Sweden on Monday,