The upcoming Four Nations Cup marks the first international best-on-best hockey tournament in nearly a decade, set to commence this February with notable teams including the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. As anticipation builds for this event, periodic assessments of potential rosters based on performances during the 2024-25 NHL season will be conducted. This analysis focuses on possible selections for Team Canada, which has already confirmed six players: Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Point, Brad Marchand, and Cale Makar.

Among the new considerations for the roster is New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière, who has replaced Zach Hyman on the top line. Previously, Hyman was regarded as a logical fit due to his chemistry with McDavid; however, Hyman's performance this season has not met expectations. In contrast, Lafrenière is showing signs of a breakout, emerging as an efficient 5-on-5 scorer. His ranking of 75th among over 650 players in goals per 60 minutes showcases his offensive capabilities. Alongside McDavid and Mitch Marner, Lafrenière presents a noteworthy addition to the team's forward lineup, making the prospects for Team Canada increasingly exciting.

The key forward trio of Marchand, Crosby, and MacKinnon remains unchanged from previous assessments and is anticipated to be among the tournament's most formidable lines. Crosby's well-established relationships with both MacKinnon and Marchand promise a dynamic partnership on the ice, with Marchand contributing defensively while Crosby and MacKinnon fuel the offensive play. Both MacKinnon and Crosby are not only top-tier players, but they are also expected to be pivotal in driving Canada's success in the competition. Additionally, the roster projection highlights the duo of Mark Scheifele, Sam Reinhart, and Mark Stone, with Reinhart making significant strides in his career since joining the Florida Panthers, and Stone demonstrating strong performance early in the season. The inclusion of Scheifele as a key contributor for the Winnipeg Jets, who are enjoying a historic start, reinforces Canada's competitive edge.

Another promising forward line features Connor Bedard, Brayden Point, and Steven Stamkos. Although Stamkos has had a slow start in Nashville, his established reputation makes his inclusion likely. The opportunity to reunite with Point adds to the appeal of this line, while Bedard, despite fluctuating production in Chicago, is considered a rising young talent that Hockey Canada would want to include for international experience. The defensive pairing of Cale Makar and Devon Toews offers a blend of proven chemistry and elite capabilities, as their time together on the Colorado Avalanche has proven fruitful. Both players have excelled defensively while also contributing offensively—an essential characteristic for a tournament-caliber team.

The contributions of Evan Bouchard and Dougie Hamilton, despite slower starts this season, can still bolster the depth of the Canadian roster. Their track records suggest a potential upswing in performance. Furthermore, the duo of Josh Morrissey and Morgan Rielly replaces the previously considered Noah Dobson, with Morrissey being a crucial player in Winnipeg's success. His offensive efficiency alongside Rielly, who is adept at contributing both defensively and in transition, rounds out a solid defensive corps for the team. Lastly, the potential goaltending situation poses challenges for Team Canada. With various options considered, including Logan Thompson, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembeault, the eventual selection will play a significant role in the team's overall success. While Thompson's performance has recently garnered attention, the uncertainty regarding the goaltending position could affect Canada's championship aspirations. Overall, as roster selections continue to unfold, Team Canada is poised to field a competitive lineup for the upcoming Four Nations Cup.