Team Canada has once again passed over Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev despite support from Craig Berube and other Maple Leafs teammates.
Chris Tanev was left off the original 4 Nations Face-Off roster and when Shea Theodore suffered a tournament-ending injury in Canada's opening game against Sweden some speculation begin to appear that the veteran blueliner could finally get the call.
"While Hockey Canada declined to confirm the identity of its standby player, league sources said that 23-year-old defenseman Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars was scheduled to travel to the Boston area on Friday."
- Chris Johnston, The Athletic
Insider Elliotte Friedman had previously suggested that Chris Tanev was a serious contender for the spot but noted that Harley was also in the conversation.
At 35 years old, Chris Tanev 's opportunities to represent Canada are limited and that is even if he remains one of the NHL's most reliable defensive defensemen.
The NHL has confirmed the return of the World Cup of Hockey in 2028, and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan could give another chance for Tanev.
However, with Canada's talent pool on defense, securing a spot for Tanev will not be easy.
For now, the veteran will have to focus on his role with the Maple Leafs as they push toward the playoffs.