The Toronto Blue Jays are shifting focus as they gear up for their pre-season opener, with the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament capturing the minds within their clubhouse. Players typically glued to MLB Network found themselves watching the Canada-Finland match instead. Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette expressed newfound excitement for hockey, calling it the first game he looks forward to. Other players, including George Springer and Erik Swanson, voiced support for their favorite teams, with Swanson rooting for Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

Manager John Schneider remarked on the current amicable Canada-U.S. relations, despite ongoing political tensions. He noted that the Blue Jays have not encountered any anti-Canadian sentiment thus far as they prepare for their upcoming season. The team, training in Dunedin, Florida, will kick off their pre-season against the New York Yankees, with the regular season beginning on March 27 against the Baltimore Orioles.