"The handcuffs are on me": Elliotte Friedman reveals league's ultimate concern before 4 Nations Face-off roster unveiling

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Dec 02, 2024 17:45 GMT

NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche - Source: Imagn — NHL insider shared the League's concern prior to 4 Nation Face-off (Source: Imagn)

On Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed the NHL’s concerns about the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The tournament, which will replace the 2025 NHL All-Star Game, will feature teams from Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden. It will take place from February 12 to 20, 2025, in Montreal at the Bell Centre and in Boston at TD Garden.

Talking to co-host Kyle Bukauskas, Friedman mentioned that the league is worried about player names leaking before the official roster announcement. He revealed that those involved in the announcement, including him, are under restrictions to keep the information confidential.

"One of the things the league was concerned about the names leaking, as has happened before." Friedman said [3:24]. "You know, in this particular situation, I'll be free and transparent. The handcuffs are on me. And I think a lot of the people we work with, Kyle, you know, we're involved in the announcements.

"We're in Canada doing the Canada and the US announcement. ... But they're worried about names getting leaked."

Friedman noted that in the past, leaks have occurred, which led the league to consider delaying when players are told they made the team. Despite this, Friedman believes some players already know their status.

"I know that one of the things they were considering was making it to the players couldn't be told until Wednesday. But I don't think that's happened. I think people kind of know who's getting picked and who isn't beforehand. I don't think that'll be until Wednesday," Friedman added.

According to Friedman, the league has seen mixed reactions. While the Finnish and Swedish teams have not been speculated about, there has been more attention on the Canadian and American teams.