Team USA has been granted permission to call Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson and New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce to Boston in the event of injuries or illnesses ahead of Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off finale,

It's been a weird couple of days concerning the status of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes wanted to join Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada, but he won't be in Boston for tonight's showdown. According to The Athletic's Michael Russo and Chris Johnston, it was the Vancouver Canucks who ultimately prevented Hughes from flying to Boston and joining the USA on a reserve basis.

Thompson and New Jersey's Brett Pesce will only be eligible to play if the Americans have another player suffer an injury or get struck by illness. The pair is not even allowed to dress and take the morning skate unless that situation arises.

What's best for country isn't always what's best for club, as made clear by this week's dance among the Canucks, Team USA and the NHL.

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Quinn Hughes will not play for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada. The Vancouver Canucks defenseman was expected to replace Charlie McAvoy, who is out with a shoulder infection and AC joint injury. However, the Canucks have reportedly not cleared Hughes to play because of his oblique injury.