Jake Oettinger, Esa Lindell, and Roope Hintz are headed to the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off, a prestigious international tournament featuring top NHL players from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden. Oettinger will guard the net for Team USA, while Lindell and Hintz represent Finland alongside newcomer Mikael Granlund. The tournament serves as a significant precursor to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Coaches and players view this competition as not only an opportunity for national pride but also a chance to secure spots on Olympic teams. Oettinger acknowledged the stakes, expressing a desire to perform well against familiar teammates and coaches. Lindell praised Oettinger’s skills while hinting at the competitive nature of their matchups. Head coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the excitement surrounding the tournament, noting the players' eagerness to compete at such a high level.