Elliotte Friedman makes his thoughts known about Alex Pietrangelo's withdrawal from 4 Nations Face-Off due to injury

Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has withdrawn from the 4 Nations Face-Off due to an undisclosed injury. The Vegas Golden Knights announced this decision on Sunday, stating that Pietrangelo will focus on his health and the rest of the NHL season.

He was set to represent Canada in the tournament but is the first player to officially withdraw.

Speaking on the "32 Thoughts" podcast on Jan. 7, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman explained the situation.

"I kind of knew that might happen...," Friedman said. "...The only other players we know of right now whose position in the Four Nations is in jeopardy are Jacob Markström and William Karlsson ... The thing about Pietrangelo was that there was talk before the rosters were named that he wasn't going to play." (46:50)

Alex Pietrangelo, 35, has been an important player for Vegas this season. He leads the team in ice time, averaging 22:41 per game, and has scored three goals and 25 points. Though he missed three games earlier this season due to an upper-body injury, Pietrangelo has been consistent for Vegas.

Friedman said Pietrangelo’s decision was understandable, given his demanding role with the Golden Knights.

"When Vegas came through Toronto earlier this year, I asked him about it, and he said, 'You know, I'm healthy now, so that's not an issue ... '" Friedman said. "But players get banged up like, there's no reason to believe there's anything nefarious going on here. No reason at all.

"And I think it's perfectly understandable, especially a guy who plays as much and has a big role as Pietrangelo, could get banged up like, that's a huge loss for Canada ... I am waiting to see for clarity ... ."

According to NHL insider Jesse Granger, Pietrangelo warmed up for Vegas’ game against Florida on Sunday, showing he can still play in the NHL.

Canada will now need to find a replacement for Pietrangelo. Options include Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard, who was a surprise omission when rosters were announced, or Drew Doughty, who is recovering from an injury.

Canada’s general manager Don Sweeney will make the final call as the tournament starts on Feb. 12.

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Friedman warned that Alex Pietrangelo's situation might have a ripple effect

Elliotte Friedman also pointed out the impact Alex Pietrangelo's decision could have on other teams. He said some might question allowing their players to participate in the tournament if they have similar concerns.

"You know, there's going to be other teams saying, 'Well, wait a second here, like, I've got a guy who's got something I don't want him to play either.' So I am curious to see how the NHL and the Players Association are going to deal with all of this," Friedman said.

The 4 Nations Face-Off, featuring teams from Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland, will replace the NHL All-Star Games this year.