Several Carolina Hurricanes players are set to compete in the 4 Nations Face-Off next week, including Sebastian Aho, Mikko Rantanen, Seth Jarvis, and Jaccob Slavin. Meanwhile, Andrei Svechnikov and other teammates plan to use the break to relax in warmer climates. The two-week pause in their NHL season comes after 56 grueling games, with many players battling illness recently. The Hurricanes hope to be playing deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs, but given the choice, would they prefer representing their countries or taking time off?
Jarvis, who will play for Team Canada, has no hesitation. “Hopefully, I’ll play around 100 games this year,” he said. “I don’t care about rest. Playing for my country is something I’d never pass up.” He described the experience as “super special” and recalled getting emotional when he first shared the news with his family. Facing off against Aho, he joked, “I’ll kill Fishy.”
The 4 Nations Face-Off, featuring teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, will be held in Montreal and Boston from February 12-20. Canada will face Sweden in the opening game, while Finland and Team USA will clash the following day. Aho and Rantanen, both named alternate captains for Finland, were among the first players selected for their team. Rantanen emphasized the importance of the event, particularly for younger Finnish players, as this type of tournament hasn’t been held since the 2016 World Cup.
That 2016 event in Toronto included additional teams, such as Czechia, Russia, Team Europe, and Team North America, with Canada ultimately winning gold and Sidney Crosby earning MVP honors. The 4 Nations Face-Off could serve as a preview for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where NHL players will return for the first time since 2014. Rantanen sees it as valuable preparation for the longer international break next year.
Russia and Belarus remain banned from international competition through 2025-26, though the Olympic Committee could make exceptions. This affects Russian players like Svechnikov, Dmitry Orlov, and Pyotr Kochetkov. “As a Russian, I always want to play in a World Cup or Olympics,” Svechnikov said. “I’d love to play for Russia in the 4 Nations, but I understand.” He admitted the Hurricanes’ schedule had been demanding and welcomed the opportunity to unwind.
Carolina’s first game after the break is set for February 22 in Toronto, followed by a home matchup against Buffalo on February 27. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed mixed feelings about the 4 Nations event, acknowledging the risk of injury but recognizing the excitement of representing one’s country. “It’s a nice change of pace during the season when things can start to feel repetitive,” he said.
Slavin, the Hurricanes’ leader in ice time, acknowledged that rest would be beneficial but felt the opportunity to play for Team USA was worth it. “It’s a unique experience,” he said. “You give up 10 or 12 days, but it’s all about having fun.” As for defending against Aho, Rantanen, and Jarvis? “It’ll all be in good fun,” he said with a smile.
4 Nations Face-Off Schedule
**Montreal – Bell Centre**
– **Feb. 12**: Canada vs. Sweden, 8 p.m.
– **Feb. 13**: USA vs. Finland, 8 p.m.
– **Feb. 15**: Finland vs. Sweden, 1 p.m.; USA vs. Canada, 8 p.m.
**Boston – TD Garden**
– **Feb. 17**: Canada vs. Finland, 1 p.m.; Sweden vs. USA, 8 p.m.
– **Feb. 20**: Championship game, 8 p.m.
Tournament Format
Each team plays three round-robin games, with points awarded as follows:
– 3 points for a regulation win
– 2 points for an overtime/shootout win
– 1 point for an overtime/shootout loss
The top two teams advance to the final.
