Defensive man Charlie McAvoy heads out to the final of the four-country showdown against Canada on Thursday, with manager Mike Sullivan reassuring everyone that strong players are on the wings and waiting in the middle.
“Quinn Hughes is here.” Sullivan told reporters Tuesday.
But it doesn't seem to be the case now – at least not yet.
Hughes was on the ice at the Canucks in Vancouver on Tuesday afternoon, but will not be participating in Team USA in Boston unless there is a realistic chance to play in the championship game. According to SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman
McAvoy is reportedly infected from an upper body injury, but Hughes is not allowed to play in the title game unless someone else on the US team gets injured or gets sick. .
Hughes was originally supposed to be a member of Team USA, but withdrew from the tournament due to a private injury.
The 25-year-old defender has not played since January 31st.
“Now we're just taking it every day to make it come,” Sullivan told reporters Tuesday. “We're going to take it one day at a time. We'll see what potential options are available for the championship game and then we'll make a decision accordingly.”
Hughes followed up the Noristrophy victory before the season in another incredible season with the Canucks.
He scored 14 goals and 45 assists in 47 games with a percentage of 57.8 Corsi in a 5-for-5 situation.
If Hughes reaches the lineup, Canada is ready for his presence.
“If he plays and gets thrown into things wrinkled, we have to prepare for it,” defensive man Josh Morrissey said according to Sportsnet. “It's obviously because he's great.”
