Hughes was named to the U.S. roster in June but bowed out due to an oblique injury. He can't play unless another defenseman is unavailable.

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.

Despite a bold proclamation from Mike Sullivan that “Quinn Hughes is coming,” the defenseman will not, in fact, be traveling for the 4 Nations Face-Off final.

Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan has high praise for Jaccob Slavin after an epic performance in the 4 Nations final against Team Canada.

With defenseman Charlie McAvoy out for the 4 Nations Face-off final against Canada on Thursday, head coach Mike Sullivan reassured everyone that a strong player was waiting in the wings and on the

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 Quinn Hughes was ready to step in.

Team USA said Quinn Hughes was flying to Boston to join them at least as emergency depth. But Hughes was still in Vancouver and unsure of his status.

The latest update on defenseman Quinn Hughes's availability for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off final vs. Canada.

BOSTON — 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.

While Mike Sullivan discussed the loss of Charlie McAvoy, his alternate captain, son-in-law and impact defenseman, the coach of the United States was asked whether an extra defenseman might be on his way to Boston ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship against Canada (8 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+, SN, TVAS) on Thursday.

The 4 Nations Face-Off final is scheduled for Thursday at TD Garden. As many predicted, the championship game will feature Team USA battling Team Canada, adding another chapter to one of hockey's greatest rivalries. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 pm PT and can be viewed on Sportsnet.

The NHL remains in a pickle regarding the Quinn Hughes conundrum. Hughes, who was announced by head coach Mike Sullivan as a reinforcement for Team USA on Tuesday following the news that Charlie ...