4 Nations Face-Off Detroit Red Wings invitee predictions

There's an exciting set of games on the horizon.

It's been a long time since countries have sent their top ice hockey players to take part in a set of games like the ones that are coming up in Montreal, Canada, and Boston, Massachusetts.

So many opinions are out there of who deserves a spot in the lineups and who is just daydreaming.

Everyone’s throwing their hats in the ring for this 4 Nations Face-Off thing as to what players might be on the rosters for each team. For a quick recap, on the haves were invited: USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. No Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Latvia, or Russia is in the mix. 

Although I’m bummed about the teams (and, by default, the players) not being invited to participate in the event, I am still looking forward to watching some fun hockey. It’s neat to see our little Detroit Red Wings playing for their national teams. Seeing how they’re used (either similarly or differently) to the Detroit Red Wings’ normal deployment is something I’m especially looking forward to.

Here are the possible Detroit Red Wings who might be invited to the 4 Nations Face-Off games

I realize that all of these are hopes to make the teams, but it could be that only one or two Detroit Red Wings overall are invited to the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Team USA: 

Dylan Larkin

Of course, I’m including my Detroit Red Wings captain in the mix. 

Dylan Larkin is the engine of Hockeytown with the ability to play in all situations. Within these games, he’s not likely a first or second-line player and may not even suit up at center but should bring some energy to a bottom-six role on Team USA. 

His spark is quite useful, especially when he has a team to support his efforts.

It’s as likely that Larkin does not get an invite to Team USA. Initially, I’d be annoyed that Larkin was snubbed. At the same time, he could surely use the rest midseason, so I’m not upset either way.

Patrick Kane

A long shot to make the team, Patrick Kane is much more niche than Larkin.

He’s not a young player, and in a set of games with the fastest guys on the planet with the highest level of skill, people might wonder what would an aging, recovering from injury Kane bring to the team.

Well, leadership and experience. Also, many of the forwards around the world look up to Kane but especially the Team USA forwards who would love nothing more than to practice and play with one of their idols. 

More than likely, though, with his recent recovery from injury Kane won’t go. It’s fun to dream about.

Alex DeBrincat

Somewhere between Larkin and Kane’s odds of making the team, Alex DeBrincat is similar to Kane in that he’s niche. He’s not like Larkin who can plug in anywhere, he’s strictly a depth scorer likely on a third-line role and on the second power play unit if he’s invited.

His size is always a question mark, but DeBrincat is an effective offensive player who should be considered at the very least.

Team Canada:

Cam Talbot

The only real option for a player to join Team Canada is Cam Talbot from the Detroit Red Wings roster. 

Recently, he’s suffered an injury but it’s said to not be too long-term, so if he makes a quick recovery Talbot should have a great shot at being an invitee to the games. There’s a possibility that he grabs quite a few starts, too.

Talbot is a calm, stable veteran goaltender who will likely be invited. I would be shocked if Talbot, barring injury, isn’t invited.

Team Finland:

Olli Määttä

Gone, but not forgotten, if Olli Määttä attends with Team Finland, I’ll be super excited. He’s a reliable defensive defenseman with pops of offensive flare.

He’s won a couple of Stanley Cups in his career and could definitely help with providing the age-old “veteran presence” and is still largely effective. 

If he doesn’t make it that’s okay, too. I’m sure he’d like the rest. If I were him, I’d venture over to Moab, Utah, and have some fun there instead.

Team Sweden:

Lucas Raymond

Not quite the household name of Elias Pettersson or William Nylander, I anticipate Lucas Raymond to turn heads in these games. 

Raymond is at his best under pressure. These games will provide the highest level of pressure he might possibly have faced in his young career. Many Team Sweden and Detroit Red Wings fans will remember his hat trick-winning performance with the overtime winner for the gold medal in the under-18 International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF) Men’s Ice Hockey.

In my dreams, I’ve seen Petterson and Raymond play together on a line a million times. Since re-signing with the Vancouver Canucks, Petterson dashed those hopes and dreams at least for the foreseeable future in the National Hockey League (NHL). The combination isn’t likely, as Raymond’s probably lower in the lineup than Pettersson, but it’s still fun to wish for.

Simon Edvinsson

Although a long shot, I think Simon Edvinsson should at least get consideration. 

He’s able to do everything so well and is able to do things other players can’t even dream about. Edvinsson might be too green to get the invite, but that’s okay. 

Which Detroit Red Wings players do you think might join the four teams?  Who do you want to see?