Leafs’ Craig Berube has ruthless answer on 4 Nations Face-Off roster announcements
The rosters for the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament are officially announced today, but the Maple Leafs’ head coach warned his players:
Later on Wednesday, we will find out the rosters for the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, a tournament with players from Finland, Sweden, Canada and the United States competing in Boston and Montreal in February. This will be the first best-on-best tournament since the World Cup of Hockey 2016 in Toronto.
Players are anxious to find out if they’ve made their respective roster with Team Sweden and Team Finland unveiling their lineups in the early afternoon, while Team Canada and Team USA’s roster will be unveiled later tonight.
That explains why Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided a ruthless answer to a question concerning the roster announcements. The Canadian and American rosters will be confirmed just an hour before the Leafs’ puck drops against the Nashville Predators. Berube was asked if he expects the timing of the release of the rosters will pose any distraction.
His answer:
“No, not necessarily. I mean, it is what it is. Like what am I going to do?” Berube remarked. “Congrats if you’re in. If you’re not, well, that’s life. Get ready for the game.”
Two Maple Leafs stars have already made the tournament with both Auston Matthews and William Nylander having already secured spots on Team USA and Team Sweden, respectively, after being named to their national teams back in June.
Many believe Leafs teammate Mitch Marner will join them, earning a spot on Team Canada.
No matter what the final announcements are, Berube just wants his players ready for tonight’s game against the Predators.