The Thrilling Road to the 4 Nations Face-Off Finale

The excitement of the 4 Nations Face-Off has been unparalleled, showcasing top players from four nations in an electrifying series of games. With just two teams left standing after a thrilling round-robin segment, Canada and the United States are set to compete for the championship title at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; ESPN+, ESPN, Disney+, SN, TVAS). This winner-takes-all event follows the intense match in Montreal, where the U.S. edged out Canada with a 3-1 victory. As the tournament wraps up, speculation is rife over who will claim the MVP title, a recognition reserved for the standout performer amidst a sea of talent. A group of NHL.com writers, having followed the tournament closely, share their insights into who might earn this accolade. Here are seven contenders, in alphabetical order.

Sidney Crosby, Canada

Securing victory could see Sidney Crosby earn yet another MVP award to complement his impressive international achievements. Even if Canada doesn’t win, Crosby’s performance makes a strong case for his MVP status. Initially, his participation was uncertain due to injury concerns, yet he has demonstrated his brilliance with four assists, including three in a nail-biting 4-3 overtime win against Sweden. Crosby’s timely empty-netter also sealed a 5-3 triumph over Finland, after the Finnish team nearly came back from a four-goal deficit. His five points tie him with U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski at the top of the tournament leaderboard. Whether through leadership or skill, Crosby exceeds expectations, embodying the spirit and determination his team relies on. — Shawn Roarke, senior director of editorial

Connor Hellebuyck, United States

Throughout the tournament, my belief has remained steadfast: goaltending is the U.S.’s most significant advantage. The display on Saturday against Canada reaffirmed this, as the game’s outcome might have swung in favor of Canada had they possessed a game-changing goalkeeper like Patrick Roy or Carey Price. Instead, Connor Hellebuyck proved superior, helping the U.S. secure crucial victories. For another win against Canada, his performance will again be pivotal. — Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist

Connor McDavid, Canada

Claiming the MVP is a likely scenario for Connor McDavid, who already ranks as the NHL’s top talent. Unlike his runner-up finish with the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, McDavid is poised to lead Canada to victory against the U.S. With two goals and two assists over three games, he’s expected to heavily influence the championship’s outcome. McDavid’s breakaway goal against the U.S. was perhaps the tournament’s highlight, underlining his reputation as a show-stopping athlete. His presence on the ice sparks a unique atmosphere, with a palpable anticipation from fans every time he takes possession. No one creates the same excitement as McDavid. — Mike Zeisberger, staff writer

Jaccob Slavin, United States

If you think the MVP should be decided by points alone, you’re missing the bigger picture of this tournament. In the U.S.-Canada match, where opportunity was limited due to the caliber of talent on the ice, Jaccob Slavin stood out in defense. His impeccable play has cemented him as the tournament’s top defenseman, and arguably its best player, despite not recording points. Against Canada, playing for 25:36 minutes against top opponents like McDavid and Crosby, he emerged plus-3. Similarly, in the victory over Finland, he reached plus-2 in 20:55 minutes on the ice. For anyone who follows the Carolina Hurricanes, Slavin’s excellence as a defensive maestro comes as no surprise. — Dan Rosen, senior writer

Brady Tkachuk, United States

Many deserve MVP recognition for the U.S., but Brady Tkachuk gets my vote. He kicked off the tournament with two goals against Finland and earned Player of the Game from his peers. His two-fisted approach, complete with eight impactful hits, set the tone for his team, fueling their competitive spirit. Tkachuk’s fight with Canada’s Sam Bennett demonstrated his influence as an emotional leader alongside his brother Matthew. While he may not dominate the score sheets or ice time, Tkachuk embodies the heart of this U.S. squad, significantly contributing to their final matchup appearance. — Amalie Benjamin, senior writer

Zach Werenski, United States

Despite his high rank among point scorers, Zach Werenski’s true value extends beyond statistics, notably exemplified in the defensive stronghold against Canada last Saturday. While Charlie McAvoy’s impactful hit on McDavid drew attention, Werenski’s comprehensive gameplay at both ends of the rink makes him a standout contender. As the Columbus Blue Jackets defender shines on the international stage, his contributions are indispensable to the team’s success. — Tracey Myers.