The US team is facing an injury crisis at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, with several key players out due to injuries or illnesses. To address this issue, the team has identified two potential replacement players, Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson and New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce. However, the injury replacement rule states that emergency replacements can only be made in specific circumstances.
According to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, an emergency replacement on defense can play if Team USA is left with below six healthy defensemen due to injuries or illnesses. However, two forwards must be unavailable for Thompson to take part. The rule allows teams to identify potential injury replacement players in advance but only approved replacements can participate with the team.
In contrast, Canada has successfully utilized emergency replacements in the tournament, such as Thomas Harley who played for Shea Theodore’s absence.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2025/02/19/4-nations-face-off-overtime-injury-replacement-rules/79207044007