The NHL is gearing up to begin announcing rosters for their upcoming international tournament, and multiple Pittsburgh Penguins are sure locks to represent their countries. The 4 Nations Face-Off will feature NHLers from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, and multiple Penguins are expected to participate in the action.
During the opening round of the 2024 NHL Draft, the first six players from each team are expected to be announced. Among those 24 names, at least two Penguins should hear their names called.
Sidney Crosby – Team Canada
He may have skipped out on the IIHF World Championship, but Sidney Crosby is still one of the best players in the league. Another chance to represent his native country is right around the corner, and Team Canada will be sure not to leave him off their roster.
Along with names like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, Crosby is expected to be among the first six players announced to Team Canada.
Michael Bunting played with Team Canada at the World Championship, but Crosby will likely be the only Penguin on their 4 Nations Face-Off roster. Veteran defenseman Kris Letang has a chance, but there is a ton of competition between Canadian blue liners.
Erik Karlsson – Team Sweden
Fresh off of captaining Sweden to a bronze medal at the World Championship, defenseman Erik Karlsson will surely return with the Tre Kroner for the 4 Nations Face-Off. He tied for sixth in the tournament in scoring with 11 points.
During his first season with the Penguins, Karlsson appeared in all 82 games but regressed to just 56 points. Despite a below-average season production-wise, Karlsson still paced Penguins blueliners in scoring.
Karlsson is also a finalist for IIHF Male Player of the Year and is a no-doubter in terms of top Swedish defenders. When Team Sweden announces their first six players, Karlsson will surely be among the names.
Karlsson has said before that he doesn't think the 4 Nations Face-Off is the ideal situation for players, but is happy to see the NHL getting back to international competition.
Roster Hopefuls
Letang has a chance at the Team Canada roster, but it’ll be a long shot. Marcus Pettersson may crack the Team Sweden roster after a good showing at the World Championship.
Valtteri Puustinen and Jesse Puljujarvi recently represented Team Finland at the World Championship but are also long-shots for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
