Brock Nelson Makes USA for 4 Nation’s; Canada Snubs Barzal/Dobson

The 4 Nation’s Face-Off Rosters have officially been unveiled today, marking the first rosters for a best-on-best international ice hockey event since 2014. Team USA named Brock Nelson to their squad. His versatility and positional flexibility gave him the edge over players such as Cole Caufield and Tage Thompson, two notable snubs.

Nelson is the first Islanders forward since Jason Blake in 2004 to make a best-on-best roster for the USA. He also becomes the first Islander to represent the USA at a best-on-best tournament since Rick DiPietro made the 2006 US Olympic Hockey Team. He’s the first skater to represent the US since Bryan Berard made the 1998 Olympic Hockey Team.

Nelson, 33, most recently played for the US in the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where he also served as an alternate captain on an NHL-heavy team. In the tournament, Nelson scored three goals and seven points.  Over his career, Nelson has played 40 games for the US in IIHF tournaments, including another stint as alternate captain in 2017. Nelson has 19 goals and 35 points in his US Career in those 40 games.

Nelson’s appointment is well-deserved. The Warroad, Minnesota native has been a steady veteran, topping 34 or more goals in three straight seasons, coupled with strong two-way play. Nelson’s demonstrated ability to play center and left wing, as evidenced last year with Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal, made him too valuable to leave off.

Nelson is seventh in goals and 13th in total points among active American players. Additionally, Nelson won the Accuracy Shooting competition at the 2023 NHL All-Star Skills Competition.

Team USA GM Bill Guerin publicly called potential players ahead of the 2024 World Championship, urging them to attend the tournament to show their commitment to US Hockey. After a short and disappointing playoff with the Islanders, Nelson accepted that call and played as a leader for the team.

Nelson is the only Islander representative in the tournament.

Barzal, Dobson Left Off Canada

Despite the good news for Nelson, the bad news came from Team Canada. Mat Barzal and Noah Dobson have been snubbed from the Canadian roster.

Barzal seemed to have a spot until he suffered an injury last month, one he has yet to resume skating. His inability to play while scouts were out did not help his case. Canada opted for a grittier bottom six featuring Sam Bennett and Brandon Hagel, more lunch-pail-style players than Barzal. That style isn’t one Barzal is known for.

Dobson being left off directly results from his slow start this year. Patrick Roy has said a couple of times the phrase “We Need Dobby,” urging his defender to step up. Veteran defender Colton Parayko made the team over the struggling Dobson and other candidates such as Mackenzie Weegar.