One of Canada’s top defencemen will not be available for a showdown against the United States on Saturday at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Canada’s Cale Makar was ruled out an hour before faceoff after being listed as a game-time decision because of an illness. Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars will take Makar’s place.
The NHL and NHLPA agreed Friday morning to allow Harley to join Canada’s workouts in Montreal in case Makar was not able to go Saturday. Harley was at practice on Saturday but was not allowed to skate because Makar was on the ice.
Brad Marchand will serve as an alternate captain in place of Makar, who remains eligible to play in future games.
Makar participated in Saturday’s morning skate after missing Friday’s practice due to illness.
The Colorado Avalanche defenceman told reporters in the morning that he was “feeling better” than he did on Friday, but would make a decision with the bigger picture in mind.
“That’ll be a game-time decision,” Canada’s head coach, Jon Cooper, said Saturday morning. “But trust me, this won’t be a situation (where) we ever put Cale Makar in harm’s way. So if he’s in the lineup, he’ll be good to go.”
Canada is hurting on defence. Shea Theodore suffered a tournament-ending injury in the opener against Sweden, while Alex Pietrangelo dropped out before the tournament. Drew Doughty replaced Pietrangelo on the roster.
Harley originally was scheduled to meet Canada in Boston, where the team faces Finland on Monday, after defenceman Theodore was hurt during Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime win over Sweden. Harley was considered a standby defenceman in case of another injury.
Canada was allowed to put a player or two “on notice” after the Theodore injury.
Makar played a game-high 28:06 of ice time during Wednesday’s win to kick off the event. He finished with an even plus/minus, recorded two shots on goal and blocked three.
The 2021-22 Norris Trophy winner skated with his Avalanche defence partner, Devon Toews.
Makar, 26, leads all NHL defencemen in scoring this season with 22 goals and 63 points in 57 games.
Harley, 23, has nine goals and 20 assists in 53 games with the Stars this season.
The Stars picked the Mississauga Steelheads product 18th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.
— With files from The Canadian Press
