BOSTON — When the Team USA roster is revealed for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday, Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman is hoping to hear his name called.
The event, which will take place in Boston and Montreal in February, will pit NHL players from the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland in round-robin tournament.
Swayman figures to be a strong contender for one of the three American goalie spots.
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Barring injuries, Jets’ goalie Connor Hellebucyk is a lock to be included and Dallas’ Jake Oettinger is pretty certain.
Swayman looked like a lock to be on the roster too after his strong playoff effort last season. But the contract standoff followed by a rocky start has opened the door for Toronto’s Anthony Stolarz to at least earn consideration.
But Swayman has been better in recent games and is hoping to be picked.
“Absolutely. That would be an incredible honor and a privilege at that. I know if I was in that conversation that would be a really incredible thing for the Alaskan kid to be a part of that,” Swayman said. “I know that there’s a lot of good American goalies. So to be on that team, it would be a great honor. But if I do make it, I’m gonna make sure I’m doing everything I can to take that net and help Team USA win games.”
Swayman said the chance to represent his home state while wearing Team USA colors would be special.
“There’s always extra pride of carrying the representation of Alaska with me,” he said. “There’s not many that do it and I couldn’t be more honored to be the one chosen to be in this position and I wouldn’t be here without, you know, my upbringing, my coaches, my mentors and in the state of Alaska. So I want to represent them well.”
Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has already been named to Team USA. Brad Marchand is already on Team Canada. Hampus and Elias Lindholm are both likely members of the Sweden team.
