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.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy won't be able to play for the United States in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off on his home ice because of an undisclosed upper body injury, his NHL club said on Tuesday.

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.

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.

After days of wondering whether Quinn Hughes will join Team USA against Canada in the 4 Nations championship, a final decision has been made.

The Boston Bruins say defenseman Charlie McAvoy won’t be able to play for the United States in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off on his home ice because of an undisclosed upper body injury.

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.

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.

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.

Charlie McAvoy is out with a shoulder infection and Quinn Hughes isn't likely to be, also. The Vancouver Canucks captain -- sidelined with an oblique injury since Jan. 31 -- practiced for the second straight day on Wednesday in Vancouver,

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes will not join Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada on Thursday, per Greg Wyshynski of ESPN. Hughes was initially selected to replace injured Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy,

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.