NHL Clarifies Controversial Exception for Quinn Hughes to Play in USA-Canada Final
We have more updates regarding Team USA's situation following the call-up of defenseman Quinn Hughes.
Just hours after confirming that Quinn Hughes would be arriving in Boston to join the Americans due to Charlie McAvoy's injury, the National Hockey League has made a clarification.
Following this announcement, Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman clarified the situation.
That makes a bit more sense, but it once again highlights how unclear and ridiculous the rules are.. It's embarrassing for Gary Bettman and the NHL, in my opinion.
As recently as this morning, the United States stated that they couldn't call up a player, yet now they will have Quinn Hughes just in case.
The NHL clarifies the rule involving Quinn Hughes and the exception granted to Team USA ahead of the final against Canada
Here is the exact statement from Bill Daly.
Just like Harley and Canada, Quinn Hughes 'is not IN unless someone else is definitively OUT due to injury or illness.
He cannot practice with the team or play until that happens.'
Via Pierre LeBrun
These rules will need to be clarified for the next event, without a doubt.
Michael Russo, The Athletic
This is a situation to watch closely, but let's just say it would be quite suspicious if another American defenseman mysteriously caught the "flu" before Thursday.
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![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529566.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates with his teammates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529497.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates with his teammates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
