Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff argues that Red Wings forward Patrick Kane should have been included on Team USA’s Four Nations Face-Off roster:
Throughout his career, Kane, 36, has answered the USA Hockey call. He’s played for his country in U17, U18 and U20 tournaments. Kane also suited up in three IIHF World Championships, two Olympic Games and a World Cup of Hockey. During the 2018 world tourney, Kane was accumulating 8-12-20 totals in just 10 games. Overall, he’s pulled on the USA jersey 59 times.
Every young American player looks up to him as the benchmark for US NHLers.
“He was basically our idol growing up,” Detroit forward Christian Fischer said.
Kane’s 1,315 points lead all active American players. It’s nearly double that of Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (709), the second player on the list.
It’s fair to say that Kane’s 2024-25 NHL season was not off to a stellar start. However, of late, he’s resembling the Kane of old. He’s averaging a point a game over the past 21 games.
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“It would be an honor to represent your country, especially in those big tournaments like the 4 Nations and Olympics where you’re playing best on best,” Kane said.
Continued; for better or worse, Team USA tends to emphasize youth over veterans, and they made several difficult decisions in terms of veteran players who may have deserved to play in the Four Nations Face-Off for the sake of giving young players chances to play.
We don’t have to like it, but that’s how it goes.
