Canada’s Alex Pietrangelo pulls out of 4 Nations Face-Off

A big loss for Team Canada’s defense core at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo will be withdrawing from the tournament to focus on an aliment and prepare to finish the regular season with the Golden Knights.

The 35-year-old veteran rearguard has tallied three goals and 22 assists for 25 points in 46 games this season. Pietrangelo ranks second among Golden Knights’ defensemen in points, trailing Shea Theodore and seventh in points among all skaters.

Pietrangelo was recently named to the Golden Knights’ Quarter Century Team. When he came to the franchise in 2020, Pietrangelo brought a winning pedigree and made an immediate impact helping guide the club to a Stanley Cup in 2023. He is currently second in Golden Knights history in goals, assists, and points. Pietrangelo was also named to the St. Louis Blues Quarter Century Team, helping the Blues win a Stanley Cup in 2018-19.

As for replacement options for Pietrangelo on Team Canada, watch for Edmonton Oilers‘ Evan Bouchard, Los Angeles Kings veteran and Olympic Gold Medalist Drew Doughty, Tronto Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly and Calgary Flames defender MacKenzie Weegar.

Bouchard has tallied eight goals and 29 assists for 37 points in 49 games this season and is a +15. Doughty has not played this season after suffering a fractured ankle, but if healthy, could be a viable option for Canada.

Rielly has had a mildly productive season with the Maple Leafs, notching five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 50 contests. Weegar has tallied five goals and 24 points in 47 games.

Vegas sits second in the Pacific Division with a 30-15-4 record. The Golden Knights are slated to take on the Florida Panthers on Sunday.