NHL.com’s staff writers picked potential “unsung heroes” who may step up during the star-studded Four Nations Face-Off, and they picked both of the Red Wings’ representatives as less-heralded players who may star in the tourney:
Dylan Larkin, Team USA
In a tournament like this, some stars must swallow their egos, accept lesser roles and excel in them. Canada has a history of success with it in best-on-best tournaments. Now the United States has the depth of talent and the height of expectations to do the same. Larkin could be a key example. He’s the captain and first-line center for the Detroit Red Wings. He’s one of the NHL leaders in power-play goals this season with 12, and he has been one of the top point producers in the League since the holiday break (24 points; 11 goals, 13 assists in 20 games), when Detroit hired coach Todd McLellan. With centers Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel ahead of him in the 4 Nations Face-Off, he probably will have to play lower in the lineup for the United States than he’s used to with Detroit, but he can contribute in all situations. Larkin is a fiery competitor eager to play big games on the big stage for his country. Here’s betting that he will find a way to make a difference no matter the role he is given. — Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist
Lucas Raymond, Team Sweden
By the time the tournament is finished, Team Sweden’s points leader might not be one of its perennial All-Stars like William Nylander, Filip Forsberg, Victor Hedman or Erik Karlsson. Instead, don’t be surprised if it ends up being the 22-year-old forward from the Red Wings, one of the NHL’s young stars in the making. Raymond leads Detroit this season with 58 (21 goals, 37 assists) in 54 games, ahead of more established names on the roster like Larkin (50), Alex DeBrincat (43) and Patrick Kane (30). Beyond that, Raymond’s versatility will be something coach Sam Hallam is expected to rely on, especially on special teams. He is tied for third in the NHL with 25 power-play points (five goals, 20 assists), trailing only Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (32) and New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (26). He’s also chipped in with a short-handed goal and could find himself on the penalty kill for Team Sweden. — Mike Zeisberger, staff writer
