EXCLUSIVE: Why Team USA Told Devils Luke Hughes Not Yet (+)

The 4 Nations Face-Off is missing so much talent as a result of the exclusion of European countries. However, that’s not the only reason why we won’t see some of the NHL’s best players on the big stage in February. With such limited roster availability as each team is only carrying 23 players, there are plenty of snubs who won’t represent their respective countries either. Team USA will feature two of the three Hughes brothers on their roster. But, how close was USA’s general manager Bill Guerin to naming New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes to the mix?

Team USA’s young and exciting talent include Luke’s brothers, Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes, who were both named to the roster on Wednesday.

In addition to Quinn, USA’s blueline will feature Adam Fox, Noah Hanifin, Jaccob Slavin, Zach Werenski, Charlie McAvoy, and fellow sophomore defenseman, Brock Faber.

If memory serves, Faber was the runner-up to Chicago Blackhawks forward, Connor Bedard, for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in the 2023-24 season. Rounding out the top-three candidates, however, was the Devils’ Luke Hughes.

Despite Faber’s inclusion, the decision makers for Team USA felt now isn’t the time for the Devils defenseman.