Team Canada Gets Clarity on Injury Replacements

Team Canada will be without a key defenseman for the remainder of the tournament, but they are not yet able to replace him in the lineup.

Nick Horwat | Feb 13, 2025

Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada players celebrate a win against Team Sweden in overtime during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images / David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Team Canada walked away from their first game at the 4 Nations Face-Off with an overtime win over Sweden, but they didn’t get out completely unscathed. During his first shift of the second period, Team Canada defenseman Shea Theodore suffered an upper-body injury after taking a hit from Team Sweden’s Adrian Kempe.

Theodore left the ice right away and did not return to the game. Following the win, Canada head coach Jon Cooper said Theodore would miss the remainder of the 4 Nations tournament.

By losing Theodore, Team Canada now only has six healthy defensemen on their roster. While they would like to have another skater at the ready in case more injuries occur, it’s not going to be easy for Canada.

According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, Team Canada has reached out to the NHL for some clarity on the injury replacement procedure for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Johnston says that Canada can identify and reach out to a player who would be the next man up.

As Team Canada 🇨🇦 seeks clarity from the NHL in the wake of Shea Theodore's injury, they have been told they can identify and notify a player that he would be next up. But they have to play with the six remaining "D" they have left until they drop below that.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 13, 2025

Said player cannot join the team but can be at the ready if injuries continue on the Canadian blue line. For now, Team Canada must play with their six healthy defenseman and hope Theodore is the only player lost due to injury.

Heading into the tournament, Team Canada likely had a few names on call, especially on defense. Theodore’s teammate with the Vegas Golden Knights Alex Pietrangelo withdrew from the tournament citing an “ailment” he needed to make progress with.

While Drew Doughty was ultimately chosen for the team, names like Chris Tanev and Evan Bouchard were in that conversation and likely on speed dial if Canada needs a new face.

For the time being, Team Canada will turn to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim as Theodore’s replacement. Sanheim was a healthy scratch against Sweden, but will make his Team Canada debut against the United States.

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Published Feb 13, 2025

NICK HORWAT