Welcome back to NHL Notebook — the series here at CanucksArmy where we deliver you news and notes from around the National Hockey League — oftentimes through a Vancouver Canucks-tinted lens!
The Vancouver Canucks returned to practice as the NHL returns to action on Saturday. Before then, we will see a 4 Nations Face-off final, set between Team Canada and Team USA.
All eyes are on Quinn Hughes and whether he’s going to join the USA as an injury replacement. It doesn’t seem likely that will happen, however, considering there needs to be an injury or illness to make this team. Also, the fact that he’s still practicing in Vancouver and the game is tomorrow in Boston.
Nevertheless, there are some talking points surrounding the 4 Nations Championship, as well as a possible off-the-board expansion destination. Let’s get into it.

Charlie McAvoy to miss 4 Nations Championship

After the highly anticipated Canada vs. USA game, Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy was held out of the lineup for the finale against Team Sweden. That game was virtually meaningless, so sitting him for an ailment wasn’t a surprise.
However, the Bruins released a statement regarding the health of their star defenceman:
The situation escalated quickly as it was later reported McAvoy had an injured shoulder and an infection in that shoulder and would not only miss the 4 Nations Championship game, but he will miss some regular season games for the Bruins.
Bruins coach Joe Sacco gave an update on McAvoy’s status and when the team is expecting his timeline to be:
“He seems to be doing better, which is a good sign, but we just want to see him recover from what happened first, and then we’ll go from there.
“We’re planning that we have a game without him on Saturday. We’ve got to do our best to get our guys that are here ready for that game coming up on Saturday which we did today.”
If McAvoy is out for a lengthy period, it could very well ruin their shot at making a playoff push for the final stretch. Could they add a defenceman? Carson Soucy, perhaps?

New Orleans possible expansion destination

In typical Kevin Weekes fashion, when everybody is focused on the 4 Nations and not expecting any sort of news, he drops a Weeksey bomb.
Weekes shared that there was a recent meeting regarding a group that has an interest in bringing an NHL expansion team to New Orleans.
New Orleans has a relatively big sports market. They currently home the NFL and NBA with the Saints and Pelicans. New Orleans has never had an NHL team. However, they did have an ECHL team (New Orleans Brass) from 1997-2002 as San Jose Sharks affiliates.
The NHL recently expanded from 30 to 32 when they added the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. However, it seems the league is heading toward a 34-team league with two expansion teams coming in, and New Orleans is the newest city to earn some consideration.
Arizona, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas City and Quebec City are also being considered as a destination for expansion.

“I’ll do anything for my country”

Drew Doughty spoke with the TNT panel following their win against Team Finland to advance to the 4 Nations Championship game. Analyst Paul Bissonnette touched on the long, bitter rivalry Doughty has had with Matthew Tkachuk since he entered the league. He followed that up by asking if Doughty was challenged by Tkachuk to fight, would he entertain that?
“You’re putting me on the spot Biz,” Doughty chuckled. “I mean, I’ll do anything for my country. If the time is right and I’ve got to go him, I guess so.”
These questions come off the back of a wild start to the Team Canada vs. Team USA game when we saw Matthew Tkachuk fight Brandon Hagel off the opening faceoff. Matthew’s brother Brady Tkachuk immediately followed in his big brother’s footsteps and fought Sam Bennett off the next faceoff. Former Canuck JT Miller decided to get in on the action moments later with Colton Parayko.
With so much on the line for Thursday’s game, this many fights off the bat seem unlikely. However, if Doughty is presented with the opportunity, it doesn’t sound like he’ll back down from Tkachuk.
We’ll have full coverage ahead of the 4 Nations Championship with a pre-game preview and an Instant Reaction moments after the game. Stay tuned for those!
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