All of those absences were deemed "precautionary" by Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan, as was the decision to keep Brady Tkachuk off the ice during the second and third periods M

The list of players ruled out before the game between the United States and Sweden on Monday was a who’s who of the U.S. roster: Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, each of the members of the team’s leadership group.

The Americans recognized the opportunity they lost at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but will be strong next year in Italy.

This little mid-season tournament proved to be something much greater, and the NHL must now deal with the ramifications.

Team USA and Team Canada, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy threw a monster hit on Connor McDavid while in the defensive zone. Just 30 seconds after, Jake Guentzel scored for Team USA to tie the game up at 1-1.

According to the Boston Globe, Charlie McAvoy was admitted to Mass. General Hospital due to injury from play in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Tkachuk, meanwhile, is a slam dunk to represent Team USA in the 2026 Winter Games. His thunderous performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off makes him a Stars-and-Stripes lock, alongside his brother Matthew.