Matthews and Nylander Among First Stars Named to 4 Nations Face-Off

Next month, the first best-on-best international hockey tournament since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey will take place. The 4 Nations Face-Off, hosted in Montreal and Boston, will feature Canada, the U.S., Finland, and Sweden. Today, all four teams announced the first six players selected for their rosters—including a pair of Toronto Maple Leafs stars.

Leafs Duo Gets the Call

As expected, Auston Matthews has been selected to represent Team USA, while William Nylander will suit up for Team Sweden. The Leafs confirmed the news in a pair of social media posts:

“No surprise—Auston will represent USA at the #4Nations Face-Off!”
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs), June 28, 2024

“How Swede it is! Willy has been selected by Sweden to compete in the #4Nations Face-Off!”
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs), June 28, 2024

Both Matthews and Nylander have previously represented their countries at the IIHF World Championships, but this will be their first chance to play in a true best-on-best international setting. Matthews did get a taste of elite competition at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where he played for Team North America alongside Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Brayden Point.

Deserving Selections for Leafs Stars

Coming off incredible seasons, Matthews and Nylander were obvious choices to headline their respective teams.

• Matthews claimed the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer, finishing the season with 69 goals.
• Nylander had a career year, racking up 98 points, just two shy of the 100-point mark.

Both Team USA and Team Sweden will boast deep, talented rosters, but the Leafs duo will be key offensive leadersfor their nations at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

What About Marner?

One notable omission from the initial selections is Mitch Marner. While he didn’t have the same standout season as Matthews or Nylander, he remains a crucial part of Toronto’s “big three”. It will be interesting to see if Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong adds him to the roster later this year.