Which Toronto Maple Leafs players could make the 4 Nations Faceoff?

The Four Nations Faceoff tournament rosters will soon be announced. Toronto Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander were already named to their respective countries but there are many more candidates on the team.

Los Angeles Kings v Toronto Maple Leafs
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Jani Hakanpaa, Finland

So far this season only nine defenders from Finland have suited up in an NHL game and only three shoot right, Hakanpaa included. His handedness along with his 6-7 frame and defensive shutdown style, could be enough to land him on the Finnish roster at the 4 Nations Face-Off. His injury history is a concern but if he can put together a stretch of healthy games, he could be one of the six in the lineup later this winter.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Sweden

OEL started the season red-hot and looked to be a revelation for GM Brad Treliving, but over the last 10 games or so, he has seen his play start to correct it's course. He started the season producing five points in his first eight games and even saw action on the top pairing at times.

Despite this dip, he has still played well and has logged big minutes and provided veteran leadership on the Leafs' backend, traits that could be valuable to the Swedish team brass. At this point, his selection seems unlikely but very possible.

John Tavares, Canada

Team Canada and John Tavares go together like peanut butter and jam, Tavares has represented Canada on the international stage 12 times since 2005-06, according to eliteprospects.com. He has worn the red and white at the World Juniors, Olympics, World Cup of Hockey, and World Championships.

Most recently, he was the captain for Canada at last spring's World Championship tournament where he scored 11 points in nine games. These facts make it hard to imagine that he might not get a call, even as an extra skater but it is possible, even despite his point-per-game season so far. Between the history, his veteran leadership, and stellar play so far definitely pushes the scale in his favour.

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