1000-game NHL veteran declines to represent Canada at Four Nations tournament

The Four Nations tournament is just over two weeks away now as it kicks off on February 12th.

It will be the first chance for many players to represent their countries on the international stage.

However, the feeling around the league is that this event does not mean as much to the players as other events such as the Olympics do.

Today, we may be seeing the first evidence of that as Vegas Golden Knights defender Alex Pietrangelo has elected not to play in the tournament despite being selected to Team Canada.

The defenseman says that he is nursing a nagging injury. However, he is playing for the Knights tonight so clearly it is something he can play through.

This would seem to indicate that he just does not care that much about playing in the tournament, and would rather get extra rest ahead of the playoffs.

At this moment, Team Canada has not announced a replacement for Pietrangelo, but they are expected to soon.

Three names that come to mind as possible replacements are Edmonton's Evan Bouchard, Seattle's Brandon Montour, and Toronto's Chris Tanev.

Of the three, Bouchard is perhaps the most likely to make the team. Fans certainly thought he was one of the biggest snubs when the roster was announced.

The 25-year-old has 8 goals, 37 points, and a plus-15 rating through 48 games with the Oilers this season.

He is by far the most offensive option of the three players.

Chris Tanev is on the opposite end of the spectrum. He brings little offense but is reliable as they come in his own zone.

Canada has been burned in the past for relying too much on offense, so perhaps they will be inclined to add the veteran to the lineup.

Brandon Montour represents a middle ground between the two. He can play in all situations and handle them all well, but does not excel in either zone as much as the other options.

Team Canada should announce Pietrangelo's replacement in the next couple of days, so keep your eyes peeled for that.