Team USA received some positive news on Tuesday regarding captain Auston Matthews, also getting a huge boost on the back end ahead of rematch with Canada.
After sitting out Monday's matchup against Sweden, Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan has suggested that Auston Matthews will have his captain back for Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off finale.
"I would anticipate Auston Matthews being available for the championship game."
In addition, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Team USA will also have a replacement for the injured Charlie McAvoy, and a pretty darn good one at that.
Quinn Hughes, who initially opted out of the tournament due to injury, is en route to Boston to join the team after recovering from his previous ailment.
There is one catch, however, as Hughes cannot practice with Team USA or play in Thursday's finale against Canada unless another member of Team USA cannot play due to illness or injury.
USA will also have both Matthew and Brady Tkachuk in the lineup, despite both players also dealing with what appear to be minor injuries.
Captain Canada, Sidney Crosby, is currently leading the tournament in points with 5. Meanwhile, Leafs star Mitch Marnerhas watched his role diminish game-by-game, playing the second fewest minutes for Canada in their win over Finland on Monday and saw himself demoted to the 3rd line.