Jacob Markstrom is set to return as the starting goaltender for the New Jersey Devils against the Vegas Golden Knights after a five-week absence due to a knee injury. Coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized Markstrom's vital role as the emotional leader of the team and expressed confidence in his comeback. Markstrom has a solid season record of 21 wins, 9 losses, and 5 overtime losses, alongside a .912 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.34. His return is crucial as the Devils aim to maintain their playoff position.

Sweden has made changes to its roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, with Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins stepping in for the injured William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. Coach Sam Hallam announced the updates, also confirming that Samuel Ersson from Philadelphia will replace Jacob Markstrom due to injury. Rakell, currently leading the Penguins with 23 goals in 53 games this season, has been praised for his all-around game and commitment to defensive play.

Finland has also adjusted its squad, replacing Miro Heiskanen and Jani Hakanpaa with Henri Jokiharju of Buffalo and Urho Vaakanainen of the New York Rangers due to injuries. The U.S. team faces similar issues with Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski sidelined. Canada is yet to appoint a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo, who withdrew to manage an ailment and prepare for the rest of the NHL season.

Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins has been selected to join Sweden's roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off as a replacement for the injured William Karlsson from the Vegas Golden Knights. Coach Sam Hallam announced the update, which also includes goaltender Samuel Ersson of Philadelphia, stepping in for New Jersey's Jacob Markstrom.

Rakell, 31, is having an impressive season, leading the Penguins with 23 goals and contributing to 45 points over 53 games. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praised his performance, highlighting Rakell's all-around play, commitment to defense, and physicality on the ice.

Meanwhile, Finland has made adjustments to its lineup due to injuries, with Miro Heiskanen from Dallas and Jani Hakanpaa from Toronto being replaced. The United States also faces challenges with key players like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski sidelined.

Canada still needs to replace Alex Pietrangelo, while practices for the NHL-run tournament commence soon, with games scheduled in Montreal and Boston.

Sweden's national hockey team will include Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, following the injury of forward William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. Rakell has been impressive this season, leading his team with 23 goals and ranking second in points. Coach Mike Sullivan praised his all-around game, highlighting Rakell's commitment to both offense and defense. Alongside Rakell, Samuel Ersson from the Philadelphia Flyers was added to replace New Jersey's Jacob Markstrom. Finland also faces challenges with injuries, while Canada is tasked with finding a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo.

The tournament practices are set to commence soon, with the competition beginning next week in Montreal before shifting to Boston. This event serves as a modified version of a World Cup-style tournament, taking place before the Milan Olympics in 2026.

Nico Hischier, the captain of the New Jersey Devils, is sidelined with an injury described as week-to-week by coach Sheldon Keefe. His absence will be felt particularly against Philadelphia and potentially in the upcoming games against Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The injury occurred during a match against Montreal when Hischier was cross-checked by Nick Suzuki. The 26-year-old center is a crucial player for the Devils, leading the team with 24 goals this season and standing third in points with 43. His performance has been integral in helping the Devils secure a playoff spot, especially as the team also copes with the loss of their top goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, out for 4-6 weeks.