And all this, despite some notable absences on both sides.
Shea Theodore, Josh Morrissey, Quinn Hughes… Not to mention those who were overlooked.
One of those overlooked, Mike Matheson, recently spoke to the media after today’s (Friday) practice and discussed his desire to participate in the tournament.
« Of course, I thought about it. As a Canadiens player, it’s my dream to play an important game at the Bell Centre. My game would have helped them, I believe. I was confident it was at least a possibility. » – Mike Matheson
It’s hard not to agree with the Quebec defenseman.
It’s every hockey player’s dream to play a game of this magnitude.
His mobility and offensive instinct would have definitely brought something interesting, especially in the first game against the United States when Cale Makar was absent.
We clearly saw a lack of offensive support in the defensive brigade, and Matheson could have remedied the situation.
However, we can’t say that Thomas Harley, who came in as a replacement, wasn’t beneficial either.
I knew he was very underrated, but I was greatly surprised by his game, which is completely different from Matheson’s.
What matters in the end is that Canada won the gold medal in this tournament.
The trade deadline in the NHL took place on January 24, 2025.
Mikko Rantanen seemed unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche, and the team decided to trade him to Carolina.
Since his arrival with the Hurricanes, it has been very difficult for the Finn: two small points in six games.
However, it’s time to start thinking that Rantanen could very well be traded again at the trade deadline (March 7).
Even if star players are rarely traded as rentals, it could very well be the case again for Rantanen.
It’s rare to see star players acquired as rentals because it often costs a lot for about 20 games.
The team that could potentially acquire his services could agree with him before July 1, the date on which the big winger would become an unrestricted free agent.
We can imagine that the Hurricanes would trade him because they don’t think they can sign him long-term. And if that really happens, Friedman expects several teams to be interested.
We must also remember that in the famous Necas-Rantanen trade, the Chicago Blackhawks retained 50% of the Finn’s $9.25 million annual salary.
He therefore has a cap hit of $4.625 million for the rest of the season on Carolina’s payroll, and if the Hurricanes trade the star, they could also retain 50% of his salary.
This would give a Rantanen at $2.31 million. Not bad, is it?
Teams could view Mikko Rantanen as an NHL trade deadline rental target, according to @FriedgeHNIC
Carolina could retain salary in a trade, making Rantanen’s remaining cap hit $2.3M. pic.twitter.com/YA2somT0da
Several teams will definitely be interested in adding a $2.31 million Rantanen to make a push for the playoffs, even if he’s just a rental.
Of course, the price to acquire him won’t be very high (considering his talent) since he’s seen as a loan player.
I wonder what a return for #96 could look like.
We’ll have to wait until March 7 to see if he’ll be traded and get an answer.
In passing
– Words of wisdom.
Habs coach Marty St. Louis today on watching the Canada vs USA final:
“These are opportunities that don’t come often. It’s not easy to make these teams. When you have the opportunity to wear that jersey, to represent your country, it’s special. You want everybody to be… pic.twitter.com/nRYTGCkO1l
– I also love Emil Heineman’s season: he’s a nice surprise this season.
Brendan Gallagher today on Emil Heineman:
“You can see how valuable he is to our group. I think he really balanced our 4 lines. He does a lot for us & we’re happy to see him back. You kinda laugh about it now. The guy got hit by a car! It’s kinda unfortunate. There’s not much… pic.twitter.com/P2uWA9KJvU
The Canadian defenseman was the victim of a severe cut before the Confrontation of the 4 nations and we do not know when he will be able to return to play.
It’s certain that seeing Guhle wear a splint of this kind can be worrying.
Because we agree on one thing: the piece is not small.
And the bigger it is… The more we can believe it’s serious, which is logical.
I look forward to seeing, that said, the Canadian’s plan for Guhle for the rest.
When Kirby Dach got injured, the organization wanted him to stay involved within the organization to make his life easier and to keep him in the game.
The CH also did the same with David Reinbacher, let’s remember.
Could we see Guhle receive the same treatment? In my eyes, the chances of this happening are good… Because we know the Canadian values their defenseman.
We know Guhle has all the tools to be part of the future and be a good defenseman in Montreal.
That’s why – according to my logic – the organization will do everything to ensure his rehabilitation goes as smoothly as possible.
The proposal by the Parti Québécois to create a Team Quebec could have led to a healthy, respectful, and researched debate on the issue of creating Quebec national teams. I know it sounds naive. We are in an era of disgust for the middle ground and the ease of dismissing others. Soon, we will be talking about extreme sovereignists and extreme federalists, I’m sure.
First, I would like to clarify that I was just as disappointed by the tweet from HFTV (in English) that labeled the idea as “fucking ridiculous” as I was by those who responded by saying they were not “true Quebecers”.
On both sides, we should learn to calm down, listen, and accept the fact that we disagree without attacking each other.
I haven’t read many journalists, columnists, or internet users defending the project and analyzing the opposing arguments. That’s why I’m writing this article: to offer the other side of the coin, the counterarguments that get lost in a wave of insults.
No matter your allegiance or preconceived idea, the least we can do is take the time to listen, or in this case, read the proposal in all its facets.
“We would be POOR!”
Firstly, not so much. Secondly, that’s not the point.
Some people repeat that Quebec would “explode” on the international stage. In reality, Quebec – assuming Russia returns – would likely rank around 6th in the world.
Besides David Pastrnak, who is by far superior to any active Quebecer in the NHL, the Czech Republic doesn’t have a club that is significantly superior, or even visibly superior, to what we project for a Team Quebec. Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany are practically uncontestedly inferior on paper.
(Credit: RDS.ca)
And let’s not have a short memory: Quebec could have beaten Finland 15 years ago, Sweden 30 years ago, and Canada 45 years ago.
Ah, and BTW, the Czech Republic finished the last two World Junior Championships… ahead of Canada.
It’s a bit absurd to claim that Quebec wouldn’t be of international caliber.
Slovakia may never win the Olympic gold medal, but when they win, even when it’s not the biggest stake, the party is on. Slovakia, like Latvia or Austria, has the right to exist on the international stage despite the reduced quality of its lineup.
I imagine that Canadian soccer fans didn’t watch the last World Cup, considering that the Canadian team had no chance of winning?
Quebec, which has its nation status at the UN and the right of seniority in hockey, would have just as much right to exist as these national teams. That’s the point.
“Anyway, Ontario will ask for a national team?”
This argument comes up too often, considering it’s based on an inaccuracy, a lack of knowledge, or bad faith.
No, Ontario, like the Maritimes, or Alberta, or the West (or even Wisconsin, in the United States) won’t ask for the creation of a national team.
Why? Because none of these entities are a nation.
What is a nation? It’s said to be “a set of human beings living in the same territory, having a community of origin, history, culture, traditions, sometimes language, and constituting a political community”.
And that goes beyond the federalist vs. sovereignist question. In 2006, the Canadian Parliament adopted a motion recognizing that “Quebecers form a nation within a united Canada”.
Quebec is a distinct nation from English Canada, with language being the best example, followed by culture and history.
At the Olympics, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Palestine, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda are examples of participating nations. In soccer, the UK is split into four: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico is among the best baseball teams in the world, and it’s an American territory.
Quebec is a nation and has the right to exist on the international stage. It’s not an opinion, but a fact.
“Don’t create a team just because our players can’t make the Team Canada lineup”
In fact. Except that the idea of a Quebec national team is not new, nor is it related to the low representation in the Team Canada lineup that was announced for the Four Nations Confrontation.
This being said, thanks to its nation status, Quebec has the opportunity to do what many consider to be the best thing for our athletes, namely to send as many as possible to the international stage.
I’m not sure I understand how it could be a bad thing to offer opportunities to shine and create unforgettable memories for the best Quebec athletes.
Instead of having just one guy from Quebec on the Canadian team at the Olympics, there could be 20 more on the same ice. Same thing at the World Junior Championship, where Quebec players have been underrepresented in recent years.
Young Quebec hockey players are at a disadvantage at Hockey Canada, says Simon Gagné https://t.co/8j5yKQqZ4y
“We wouldn’t even be in the Four Nations Tournament”
It’s not because the Four Nations Tournament is at the center of public attention this week that the mission of a national team is centered around this tournament.
In fact, the initiative of the Fondation Équipe Québec concerns all teams, all sports, and all ages.
The “20 more” we’re talking about for the Olympics become an exponential number.
Would it really be harmful for young Quebecers to have more space on the international stage, regardless of their allegiance?
“Anyway, we don’t produce enough good players”
It would perhaps be interesting to question the causes of this marked decline. The structure of Hockey Quebec is part of the equation and probably constitutes the core of the answer, accompanied by the high costs for parents. However, an equation is rarely simple.
Without claiming with certainty that a system of Quebec national teams would solve the problem, is it possible that it could, and can we discuss and analyze this option without jumping to conclusions? One doesn’t prevent the other, and the two issues can be compatible.
Not many people agree that the Americans have understood something that we haven’t in Canada, through their national team development program. Sweden (10 million inhabitants) and Finland (5 million inhabitants) produce excellent hockey players, partly thanks to their national development program.
But in Quebec, for obscure reasons, it seems far-fetched to believe that the same system would help.
Beyond the quality of development, the decrease in the pool is another part of this long problematic equation.
Believe it or not, Équipe Québec already exists, in some sports, and participation is increasing.
It’s proven that a memorable performance in an international competition contributes to an increase in registrations among young people the following year. In a world where Quebec exists on the international stage, young athletes from the province could dream more of representing their nation, rather than being limited by the space reserved for them, justified or not, within a much larger country that necessarily limits their chances of making it.
The decline in Quebec representation in Canadian teams will be slowed down by maintaining the status quo?
“An idea from separatists!”
Do you notice that none of the five counterarguments mentioned so far talk about sovereignism?
According to a Léger survey conducted in 2020, nearly 75% of Quebecers are in favor of creating Quebec national teams. The Fondation Équipe Québec defines itself as nationalist and claims to have support from all four parties elected to the National Assembly, making it a non-partisan issue.
Team Quebec: “Of course, it would be an honor to represent Quebec”
Team Quebec: “I was talking about it the other day with Jonathan Drouin, in Colorado,” said Alexandre Carrier. “We were discussing what our lineup would look like. I would love it!”
Obviously, the issue resonates more naturally with those who have Quebec pride close to their heart, but that’s not the core of the matter. It’s possible to have a constructive discussion about this possibility without ever touching on the sovereignist cause or even the federalist thought movement.
Before being elected Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault supported the project, which no longer seems to fit with the line of his party.
However, it’s interesting to note that Minister Mathieu Lacombe stated that “the recognition of ice hockey as Quebec’s national sport was an important symbol that could induce a movement on the ground” after adopting this bill. It’s legitimate to question the nature of this “movement” if the government refuses to consider national teams.
Thanks @francoislegault for supporting the creation of Quebec national teams three times before taking power in 2018. Why did you backtrack on your commitment now that you’re Prime Minister?
In conclusion, the notion of “all or nothing” could be abandoned on both sides. It’s okay to be partially or mostly in agreement, without being totally in agreement, or to be ambivalent.
There is an infinite combination of concrete measures that could address some of the issues raised in this text. Some people would like to see a national development program for young Quebecers, but want them to continue representing the Canadian federation at the highest level. Some people would like to see the creation of Quebec national teams in certain disciplines or tournaments. Know that Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England all represent the UK at the Olympics. It’s possible to discuss for the collective good.
The final word
I thank DansLesCoulisses.com for publishing the article. Despite the difference of opinion, Maxime Truman and Charles-Alexis Brisebois agreed to offer a platform to the other side of the coin, which I greatly respect. Some Montreal media outlets have openly refused to open the dialogue, preferring to take a hard stance on their positions.
I hope to have analyzed the popular opposing arguments in a respectful and constructive way, while avoiding the division that arises as soon as identity is mentioned.
Disagree if you want. It’s okay, and it would be boring if everyone agreed. Except that it’s more fun when we listen to each other and respect each other.
Then… Are you looking forward to seeing the Canadian’s game tomorrow night in Ottawa, against the Senators?
I know, I know. The show will be much less good than in the last week and a half… But okay.
Arber Xhekaj has given all Canadian fans a good reason to watch tomorrow night’s game.
The Canadian’s defenseman, asked about Brady Tkachuk after today’s practice, has like sent a message to the Senators’ captain.
If Tkachuk is in uniform – let’s remember he was injured before yesterday’s game -, he’ll probably have to expect to drop the gloves.
Because the Sheriff’s plan is to make his life difficult tomorrow night, as can be read in an article by Nicolas Cloutier (TVA Sports):
I’m going straight to him. I’m going to crunch him. I don’t care […] I want to make his life… miserable, I want his evening to be painful. – Arber Xhekaj
Great Arber!
How do we face Brady Tkachuk if he’s in the Senators’ lineup tomorrow night?
Maybe it’s better not to get into his game.
Nonsense, thinks Xhekaj. “I’m going to go to him. I’m going to crunch him. I don’t care” https://t.co/cpl4PWnJMz
We know that the Canadian’s defenseman is not afraid of anything.
And we know that he doesn’t hesitate to drop the gloves if the moment is well chosen for him to do so.
That being said, it’s sure that Arber is looking forward to facing the youngest of the Tkachuk brothers after seeing him dominate the 4 Nations Tournament.
Brady has been so, so good for the American team that right now, everyone is talking about him all over the league.
Strong men like Xhekaj will want to measure themselves against him to prove themselves – and that’s normal.
Tomorrow’s game is likely to be exciting, therefore. At least, with Arber sending his message a little over 24 hours before the game… It promises.
Let’s hope Tkachuk is in uniform!
In a hurry
— Incredible.
WOW!
9.3 million viewers for Canada-USA final on ESPN last night.
After Canada’s victory over the Americans last night, Justin Trudeau rushed to publish a message that says a lot about his various platforms.
You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our sport. — Justin Trudeau
With everything surrounding the two countries lately, obviously… Justin Trudeau’s statement drew attention for fairly normal reasons.
But apparently, the comments from the main person involved were really poorly received by Donald Trump.
Why doesn’t it surprise me?…
The American president, on Fox News, called Justin Trudeau a loser.
And Donald Trump also mentioned that Trudeau is killing Canada with radical and Marxist policies. Trump claims that the United States has a great relationship with Canada… But only not with Justin Trudeau.
He’s not pleased:
After Canada’s victory over the United States, @realDonaldTrump is attacking @JustinTrudeau on Fox News, calling him a “loser” who is “killing Canada” with his “radical Marxist policies.” He claims to have watched the end of the game,… pic.twitter.com/hzXriU6BSR
Donald Trump knows how to not make new friends. We expected him to react after the game, but we didn’t necessarily expect him to react like this either.
Because it’s pretty intense, we agree.
But that’s Donald Trump: he says what he thinks out loud… For better or for worse.
And it’s clear that when he says things like that at a time like this, after an American defeat to the Canadians… His reputation continues to grow.
Again, for better or for worse.
Note that the American president took the time to “congratulate” the Canadian team on their victory, but he also took the time to remind everyone that the American team deserved to win because it’s fantastic.
Mise à jour des blessés présentée par la Clinique AthlétiK!
Anthony Beauregard sera de retour au jeu.
Anthony Beauchamp, blessé au bas du corps, est évalué de façon quotidienne.
Metis Roelens, blessé au haut du corps, est évalué de façon quotidienne. pic.twitter.com/wBR2vTnSt9
David Savard and Joel Armia are in a similar situation.
Both players, who are over 30 years old, are in the last year of their respective contracts with the Canadiens.
They will be eligible to test the free agent market on July 1 if they have not signed a new agreement by then.
For what it’s worth, the two players commented on their future today after the team’s practice.
And again, they are in a similar situation.
The defenseman said he has had discussions with the club, and the forward, for his part, claims that his agent is talking to the Canadiens right now.
Savard – as he has done in the past – recalled that he loves playing here and would like to stay in Montreal.
Armia, on the other hand, doesn’t want to think about it too much… because he wants to help the CH win above all.
Jeremy Filosa collected the comments from the two players:
‘We have had discussions with the club, nothing too serious. I’ve always said, I would like to stay here, but I understand it’s a business. We’ll see what happens before the deadline.’ -David Savard @CanadiensMTL
‘Yes, my agent is discussing with the club, but I prefer not to think about it. I just want to focus on trying to help the club win games.’
-Joel Armia @CanadiensMTL
In all this, we must not forget one important thing.
Both players could stay in Montreal… But there is also a chance to see them being traded before March 7.
Savard has interesting value for the reasons we know, and it’s the same for Armia. I would keep both, personally… because we know their importance in the formation.
The defenseman guides the young players with his experience, and the forward does his job on the bottom-6 and on the penalty kill. At a respectable salary, I would offer Armia a new three-year contract… And for Savard, I would go with one-year contracts until he retires.
But if the Canadiens are not in a position to return to the playoff picture in the next two weeks, we might expect to see Kent Hughes make a move.
And the names of the two veterans will likely end up on the list of certain teams, as was the case at this time last year.
For now, it’s difficult to know Kent Hughes’ true plan.
We know he wants to add talent to his team, but we also know he might be tempted to trade players who have good value before taking the risk of losing them for nothing this summer.
We will have to continue to monitor the Armia and Savard files, to put it another way. But it’s still relevant to know that they have already had discussions with the CH about a future contract.
In a hurry
– Beautiful brochette.
These guys know a thing or two about scoring goals.
Vote on X by using #NHLQCTeam and a player’s full name or handle.
Sullivan: Sidney Crosby will likely be a game-time decision tomorrow. Said they spoke briefly on the plane back from Boston and Crosby said he’s feeling good. #Pens
– Connor McDavid returns from Boston on the Flyers’ plane.
The Philadelphia Flyers invited Connor McDavid to fly back to Philly on their charter from Boston, along with John Tortorella, Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim.
He was not at Oilers practice in Voorhees Friday.
Oilers play the Flyers Saturday.
Right now, Wayne Gretzky does not have the popularity of hockey fans in Canada.
Because his ties to Donald Trump do not please many Canadians and because his behavior last night on the ice has cooled many people, he is not in the good books of many Canadians.
Right now, it can be seen on social media.
His relationship with Donald Trump and his actions before the game caused outrage in Canada → https://t.co/NF7xcU57Gs
But it’s not since yesterday (literally) that people have been discouraged from Gretzky. In fact, for a few months (or since we understood how close he is to Donald Trump), people identify less with him.
This is quite correct. When someone does not share our values, it is possible that it changes things.
But it’s not because someone does not have the same values as us that we should try to take away their past recognitions. This is not a solid enough basis to do so.
Let’s be clear: I’m not impressed by Gretzky’s point of view, who supports Trump and his ridiculous ideas towards Canada, including tariffs and the 51st state saga.
But taking away the street named after him because we don’t share the same political ideas? That’s going too far.
Based on this reason, in my opinion, it sets a bad precedent. If Gretzky had committed a serious crime, it would be a different story. But that’s not the case.
I understand, however, that there may be some discomfort that did not exist before when seeing the street. But changing the name of the street on this basis would be like opening Pandora’s box.
in a nutshell
– Wow.
Canada vs USA audience ratings, coast-to-coast:
1.18 million people – including 1.1 in Quebec – watched the game (average per minute). There were probably peaks of around 1.4 or 1.5 million. Wow!
On Sportsnet, the average per minute was around 4.47…
The Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk would probably like to revisit some parts of her rendition of the Canadian national anthem during the final match of the 4 Nations Confrontation, which took place in Boston last night (February 20), but an important detail seemed to escape many observers at the time.
Kreviazuk, who was set to perform the national anthem in hostile territory with nothing less than a nearly entire country watching her through the magic of television, did indeed allow herself to change a few words of O Canada, clearly in response to the arrogant and hostile behavior of the Trump administration and a portion of the American electorate.
Getty Images
The singer changed the words “in all of us command” to “that only us command,” thus reiterating Canadian sovereignty in her own way.
Subsequently, Chantal Kreviazuk posted a photo showing the passage in question written on her hand, a decision she made so as not to forget the moment.
“Because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism. I’m somebody who grew up on music that spoke to the heart and the moment, and it shaped me as a songwriter and really as a human being. I don’t think it would be authentic to me to be given a world stage and not express myself and be true to myself,” the Winnipeg-born artist later stated in an interview with the Associated Press.
Canadians will now probably forgive the singer for having missed a few notes, as one can imagine Kreviazuk’s nerves in such a moment and with such a decision.
The Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk would probably like to revisit some parts of her rendition of the Canadian national anthem during the final match of the 4 Nations Confrontation, which took place in Boston last night (February 20), but an important detail seemed to escape many observers at the time.
Kreviazuk, who was set to perform the national anthem in hostile territory with nothing less than a nearly entire country watching her through the magic of television, did indeed allow herself to change a few words of O Canada, clearly in response to the arrogant and hostile behavior of the Trump administration and a portion of the American electorate.
The singer changed the words “in all of us command” to “that only us command,” thus reiterating Canadian sovereignty in her own way.
Subsequently, Chantal Kreviazuk posted a photo showing the passage in question written on her hand, a decision she made so as not to forget the moment.
“Because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism. I’m somebody who grew up on music that spoke to the heart and the moment, and it shaped me as a songwriter and really as a human being. I don’t think it would be authentic to me to be given a world stage and not express myself and be true to myself,” the Winnipeg-born artist later stated in an interview with the Associated Press.
Getty Images
Canadians will now probably forgive the singer for having missed a few notes, as one can imagine Kreviazuk’s nerves in such a moment and with such a decision.
vs USA 
final:
or 
? 
