Canada vs USA Injury Report for 4 Nations Championship – Updates on Tkachuks, Matthews & More

• In the Canada vs USA 4 Nations Face-Off final, the status of USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy (shoulder infection) looms large
• USA forwards Auston Matthews (upper-body) and Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body) are expected to play
• See below for the full Canada vs USA injury reports and betting impact for this 4 Nations Championship

Team USA and Canada are all set for their big showdown in the 4 Nations Face-Off final this Thursday at Boston’s TD Garden. You can catch all the action at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN and Sportsnet.

Both teams are mostly healthy heading into this one, but there’s one big name missing for the Americans – Charlie McAvoy. Meanwhile, Team Canada’s injury list is short, with blueliner Shea Theodore the only player confirmed out.

Here are the latest injury updates for the 4 Nations Face-Off final, along with full USA and Canada injury reports further below.

Latest Updates on McAvoy, Matthews, Tkachuk

McAvoy, a top-pairing defenseman for Team USA and the Boston Bruins, will miss the championship game after being diagnosed with a shoulder infection. He underwent a procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday to clean the infection.

The 27-year-old’s absence is a huge blow for the Americans, as he played a pivotal role in containing Canada’s Connor McDavid in their round-robin meeting. McAvoy logged over 25 minutes in the 3-1 victory.

There was speculation that Quinn Hughes could replace McAvoy on the USA roster. However, the Norris Trophy odds contender didn’t pass his medical with Vancouver and won’t be joining the team in Boston. This means Team USA will be playing the 4 Nations Final with six defensemen.

As for the USA’s forwards, captain Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk are expected to suit up despite recent injuries. Matthews missed Monday’s game against Sweden with upper-body soreness but returned to practice on Wednesday.

“There’s no way I would miss the final,” Matthews told reporters. The 2022 Hart Trophy winner only has one assist in two tournament games, but is capable of breaking out at any time.

Matthew Tkachuk, meanwhile, suffered a lower-body injury against Canada last week but also practiced fully on Wednesday. His brother Brady’s status is less certain, though, as he’s a game-time decision with a lower-body ailment.

The Americans are slim -110 favorites on the moneyline at ESPN BET for this 4 Nations Face-Off final, with the total set at 5.5 goals.

ESPN BET

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $10 & Get $100 + 30 Days of ESPN+

Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

Must be 21+, offer available in MI, NJ, PA, WV only.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP OFFER

USE PROMO CODE
DIME

BET $10, GET $100
+ 30 DAYS OF ESPN+

GET OFFER NOW

Last-Minute Updates

In breaking news just before puck drop, Team USA has made a last-minute roster change, with Chris Kreider replacing Kyle Connor in the lineup.

Connor, who had been shifted to the fourth line against Canada on February 15 with minimal production, was seen taking extra skating time during warmups but not participating in line rushes.

Kreider, who impressed coach Sullivan when stepping in for the injured Matthew Tkachuk against Sweden on February 17 with a goal just 35 seconds into that game, was spotted taking line rushes with Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson.

On the Canadian side, defenseman Josh Morrissey has been ruled out due to a last-minute illness. Thomas Harley, who performed well as an emergency replacement when Cale Makar missed the USA game earlier in the tournament, will take Morrissey’s spot on the blueline.

Morrissey had been a key contributor throughout the tournament, particularly when filling in during Makar’s absence on February 15.

United States Injury Report

McAvoy’s absence will force head coach Mike Sullivan to shuffle his defensive pairings. The former first-round pick has been Team USA’s ice-time leader and go-to option against Canada’s top forwards.

Up front, Brady Tkachuk’s potential absence would leave a void on the second line with his brother Matthew and center Jack Eichel. If the Senators’ captain can’t go, Chris Kreider is the likely candidate to move up from the fourth line.

Canada Injury Report

While not as impactful as the McAvoy injury, the Canadians are dealing with the loss of puck-moving defenseman Shea Theodore. The Golden Knights rearguard has been out since sustaining an upper-body injury in the tournament opener against Sweden.

In a late development, Josh Morrissey is out for tonight’s championship game. GM Don Sweeney indicated Morrissey “woke up from his pre-game nap not feeling right,” possibly another victim of the flu that’s affected several players throughout the tournament. Thomas Harley will replace him.

On a positive note, Canada has welcomed 2022 Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar back to the lineup after he missed the round-robin tilt with the USA due to illness. Makar’s return is a major boost to a blueline that relies heavily on his elite skating and offensive instincts.

How Could Injuries Affect USA vs Canada Betting Odds?

McAvoy’s confirmed absence is the most significant injury storyline heading into this border battle. With the Bruins’ star defenseman out, Canada’s elite forwards like McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon could have more room to operate.

If Brady Tkachuk is also unable to play, the USA would be without two key players from their 3-1 round-robin victory over Canada. The Sens’ power forward plays a heavy, physical game and is a handful for opposing defensemen down low.

However, with offensive catalysts like Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Jack Hughes all healthy, the Americans still have the firepower to light the lamp. At the other end, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been stellar, posting a .957 save percentage through two starts.

On the Canadian side, Theodore’s continued absence hurts their depth, but Makar’s return is a game-changer. The 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is a one-man breakout and can take over a game with his speed and vision.

With Makar back in the fold and the uncertainty surrounding Brady Tkachuk’s status, the -110 moneyline odds on both sides may not move much before puck drop. But if the Senators winger is ruled out, don’t be surprised if the line swings ever so slightly in Canada’s favor.

In his USA vs Canada prediction, our expert likes UNDER 5.5 goals scored in this one. Be sure to monitor the latest injury updates during warmups for both teams, though, as late changes could impact the betting odds.