There was no immediate word on if Team USA would bring in an injury replacement. Jake Sanderson skated in McAvoy's place against Sweden.

Sanderson (rest) will be a game-time decision Saturday versus the Canadiens, TSN 1200 Ottawa reports. Sanderson and teammate Brady Tkachuk played for the Americans in Thursday's finale against Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off and will get another four days of rest if they sit out Saturday's tilt against Montreal.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Jake Sanderson for fantasy hockey. Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson will join the 4 Nations Face-Off

The 27-year-old blueliner was sidelined for seven games in mid-January and now faces the potential of being back on the shelf after just five games back in the Bruins' lineup. For the Americans, Jake Sanderson figures to remain in the lineup with McAvoy on the shelf.

In response, Team USA followed Canada’s lead as it did with Thomas Harley and called up Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. The Canucks star was originally on Team USA's roster but had to pull out before the tournament due to injury. He remained home and was ultimately replaced by Sanderson.

The 4-Nations Face-Off championship spotlight shone brightly on Montana, as local hero Jake Sanderson made his mark on the ice.Sanderson, a Whitefish native, pr

looks at the scoreboard after Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett scored a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) U.S. players Jake Sanderson, left and Brock Faber talk during a ...