NHL Power Rankings: Every team’s 4 Nations Face-Off participants
From Feb. 12-20, best-on-best international hockey featuring NHL players is back. The 4 Nations Face-Off event will pit the best NHLers from the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden against one another in a round-robin tournament followed by a championship game.
Which teams are most well-represented at the event? You’ll find that intel below, along with an updated set of power rankings following a one-week Thanksgiving hiatus.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 22. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
More 4NFO: Rosters, schedule
Team grades, snubs
Everything you need to know
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 76.00%
Wild GM Bill Guerin served in the same capacity for Team USA for this event, and he chose two of his young stars for the club: Matt Boldy and Brock Faber. They’ll be joined by three teammates that made the cut for Sweden: forward Joel Eriksson Ek, defenseman Jonas Brodin and netminder Filip Gustavsson.
Next seven days: @ ANA (Dec. 6), @ LA (Dec. 7), @ UTA (Dec. 10), vs. EDM (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 72.00%
Despite some worthy candidates — goaltender Logan Thompson seemed like a no-brainer for Canada — the Capitals did not have any players selected for the 4 Nations rosters.
Next seven days: @ TOR (Dec. 6), @ MTL (Dec. 7), @ CBJ (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 70.37%
One player from each position group will represent the Jets this February: Forward Kyle Connor (USA), defenseman Josh Morrissey (Canada) and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (USA).
Next seven days: @ CHI (Dec. 7), vs. CBJ (Dec. 8), vs. BOS (Dec. 10), vs. VGK (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 68.52%
Vegas is home to many a Canadian star, and four of them will wear the maple leaf in this tourney: Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore and Adin Hill. Joining them are William Karlsson (Sweden), as well as Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin (USA).
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Dec. 6), @ WPG (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 68.00%
The Leafs put one player on each of the four squads: Captain Auston Matthews will represent the U.S., William Nylander suits up for Sweden, Mitch Marner skates for Canada and Jani Hakanpaa made the blue-line group for Finland.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Dec. 6), @ PIT (Dec. 7), @ NJ (Dec. 10), vs. ANA (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 64.29%
A resurgent Devils club will be sending four players to this event: Jesper Bratt (Sweden), Jacob Markstrom (Sweden), Jack Hughes (U.S.) and Erik Haula (Finland).
Next seven days: vs. SEA (Dec. 6), vs. COL (Dec. 8), vs. TOR (Dec. 10), vs. LA (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 67.31%
Expanding the tournament to more than only four teams might have resulted in more Hurricanes participation. As it stands, Canes fans can root for the USA (Jaccob Slavin), Canada (Seth Jarvis) or Finland (Sebastian Aho).
Next seven days: @ NYI (Dec. 7), vs. SJ (Dec. 10)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.00%
Jake Oettinger is a superb option as the No. 2 goalie for the U.S., and he’s joined at the tournament by Finnish teammates Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell and Roope Hintz.
Next seven days: @ VGK (Dec. 6), vs. CGY (Dec. 8), vs. NSH (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 63.46%
The Kings’ sole representative for the tournament is Sweden’s Adrian Kempe — although injured defenseman Drew Doughty could have potentially been in the mix for Canada if he were healthy.
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Dec. 7), @ NYI (Dec. 10), @ NJ (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 62.96%
Unsurprisingly, the reigning Stanley Cup champs are sending a large number of players to this superstar-laden event. Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart will represent Canada; Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola made Team Finland; Gustav Forsling will patrol the blue line for Sweden; and Matthew Tkachuk will skate for the U.S.
Next seven days: vs. SJ (Dec. 7), @ SEA (Dec. 10), @ VAN (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 62.50%
Defenseman Quinn Hughes will join his brother Jack on Team USA, where they’ll be joined by forward J.T. Miller. Elsewhere, Elias Pettersson made the cut for Sweden, and Kevin Lankinen is in the goaltending battery for Finland.
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Dec. 6), vs. TB (Dec. 8), vs. STL (Dec. 10), vs. FLA (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.41%
Still a bit of an under-the-radar star nationally, Rasmus Andersson made the cut for Sweden — and could turn a lot more heads with a big performance.
Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 8), @ NSH (Dec. 10), vs. TB (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 57.69%
The Oilers will send three players to the tournament — despite some projecting there should have been a few more. Connor McDavid is the lone Canadian to make the roster, while Viktor Arvidsson and Mattias Ekholm will skate for Sweden.
Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 7), vs. TB (Dec. 10), @ MIN (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 55.36%
Captain Brad Marchand will run it back one more time for Canada, with forward Elias Lindholm joining Sweden, and Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman getting the nod for Team USA.
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Dec. 7), @ WPG (Dec. 10), @ SEA (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 58.33%
With head coach Jon Cooper behind Canada’s bench, he’ll have three familiar faces in the mix in Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. He’ll be facing his long-time defensive stalwart Victor Hedman (Sweden), and 2024-25 addition Jake Guentzel (U.S.).
Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 8), @ EDM (Dec. 10), @ CGY (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 56.25%
Given the Rangers’ red, white and blue uniforms, it’s a similar color scheme for Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox. And they’ll be joined by Mika Zibanejad (Sweden) and Kaapo Kakko (Finland).
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Dec. 6), vs. SEA (Dec. 8), vs. CHI (Dec. 9), @ BUF (Dec. 11)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 51.85%
The Avs’ top defense pairing of Cale Makar and Devon Toews will pull the same duty for Canada alongside teammate Nathan MacKinnon, while Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen were selected for Finland.
Next seven days: @ DET (Dec. 7), @ NJ (Dec. 8), @ PIT (Dec. 10), vs. UTA (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 51.92%
Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen will feature for the Finnish defense, while the Travises (Konecny and Sanheim) made the roster for Canada.
Next seven days: @ BOS (Dec. 7), vs. UTA (Dec. 8), @ CBJ (Dec. 10), vs. DET (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 51.85%
Unlike some other players slated to start for their country in goal at this tournament, Jordan Binnington has his name etched on the Stanley Cup. He’s joined by reliable defenseman Colton Parayko.
Next seven days: @ EDM (Dec. 7), @ VAN (Dec. 10), vs. SJ (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 50.00%
Thanks to a wonderful start to the season, Zach Werenski secured a spot on the blue line for the U.S.
Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 6), @ WPG (Dec. 8), vs. PHI (Dec. 10), vs. WSH (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 48.15%
At some point, Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson will stop making national teams. But that point is not 2025, as Crosby will play for Canada and Karlsson for Sweden.
Next seven days: @ NYR (Dec. 6), vs. TOR (Dec. 7), vs. COL (Dec. 10), @ MTL (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 50.00%
Although many were calling for goaltender Joey Daccord to make Team Canada, he was not one of the three chosen for this event — joining the rest of the Kraken for an extended vacation in February.
Next seven days: @ NJ (Dec. 6), @ NYR (Dec. 8), vs. FLA (Dec. 10), vs. BOS (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 46.30%
One of the surprises of roster announcement day was Islanders veteran Brock Nelson — until one considers his versatility and goal-scoring consistency.
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Dec. 7), @ OTT (Dec. 8), vs. LA (Dec. 10), vs. CHI (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 48.08%
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin joins an impressive group of Swedish defensemen, while netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made the battery for Finland. No bid for Tage Thompson this time.
Next seven days: vs. UTA (Dec. 7), vs. DET (Dec. 9), vs. NYR (Dec. 11)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 48.00%
Who knew there was a Finland-to-Utah pipeline for defensemen? The recently acquired Olli Maatta and Juuso Valimaki will rep the UHC at the tournament.
Next seven days: @ BUF (Dec. 7), @ PHI (Dec. 8), vs. MIN (Dec. 10), @ COL (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 46.15%
Dylan Larkin was reportedly always in the plans for Team USA, and he’ll spot familiar face Lucas Raymond skating for Sweden in this event.
Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 7), @ BUF (Dec. 9), @ PHI (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 43.10%
One day, phenom rookie Macklin Celebrini will be in the mix for a spot on Team Canada, but for now the lone Shark on a 4 Nations roster is Finnish forward Mikael Granlund.
Next seven days: @ FLA (Dec. 7), @ CAR (Dec. 10), @ STL (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 47.92%
Leo Carlsson‘s trajectory has been strapped to a rocket ship this season, and that continues with his inclusion on Team Sweden for this event; at age 19, he’s the youngest player to make one of the four rosters.
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Dec. 6), @ MTL (Dec. 9), @ OTT (Dec. 11), @ TOR (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 48.00%
Brady Tkachuk gets to play with his brother Matthew for Team USA, while netminder Linus Ullmark is part of the dynamite Swedish goaltending group.
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Dec. 7), vs. NYI (Dec. 8), vs. ANA (Dec. 11)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.23%
The initial host city’s fans will get to cheer on their favorites in most games, as Canada (Sam Montembeault) and Finland (Patrik Laine, Joel Armia) selected Canadiens to fill out their groups.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Dec. 7), vs. ANA (Dec. 9), vs. PIT (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 37.04%
In an alternate world, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are off to fantastic starts for the Preds and they make Team Canada. In this world, the Preds will be repped here by two Swedes — Filip Forsberg and Gustav Nyquist — and Finnish netminder Juuse Saros.
Next seven days: @ OTT (Dec. 7), vs. CGY (Dec. 10), @ DAL (Dec. 12)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 34.62%
There was some thought that Canada would select Connor Bedard for this event; that didn’t come to pass. But teammate Teuvo Teravainen will be on hand to represent Finland.
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Dec. 7), @ NYR (Dec. 9), @ NYI (Dec. 12)
The 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby is fast approaching — and the field is set.
Braves hometown hero Ronald Acuna Jr. became the first player to commit to the event, which will be held at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 14 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN). He was followed by MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, James Wood of the Washington Nationals, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, Brent Rooker of the Athletics and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees.
On Friday, however, Acuna was replaced by teammate Matt Olson.
With all the entrants announced, let’s break down their chances at taking home this year’s Derby prize.
Full All-Star Game coverage: How to watch, schedule, rosters, more
2025 home runs: 17 | Longest: 434 feet
Why he could win: Olson is a late replacement for Acuna as the home team’s representative at this year’s Derby. Apart from being the Braves’ first baseman, however, Olson also was born in Atlanta and grew up a Braves fan, giving him some extra motivation. The left-handed slugger led the majors in home runs in 2023 — his 54 round-trippers that season also set a franchise record — and he remains among the best in the game when it comes to exit velo and hard-hit rate.
Why he might not: The home-field advantage can also be a detriment if a player gets too hyped up in the first round. See Julio Rodriguez in Seattle in 2023, when he had a monster first round, with 41 home runs, but then tired out in the second round.
2025 home runs: 36 | Longest: 440 feet
Why he could win: It’s the season of Cal! The Mariners’ catcher is having one of the greatest slugging first halves in MLB history, as he’s been crushing mistakes all season . His easy raw power might be tailor-made for the Derby — he ranks in the 87th percentile in average exit velocity and delivers the ball, on average, at the optimal home run launch angle of 23 degrees. His calm demeanor might also be perfect for the contest as he won’t get too amped up.
Why he might not: He’s a catcher — and one who has carried a heavy workload, playing in all but one game this season. This contest is as much about stamina as anything, and whether Raleigh can carry his power through three rounds would be a concern. No catcher has ever won the Derby, with only Ivan Rodriguez back in 2005 even reaching the finals.
2025 home runs: 24 | Longest: 451 feet
Why he could win: He’s big, he’s strong, he’s young, he’s awesome, he might or might not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. This is the perfect opportunity for Wood to show his talent on the national stage, and he wouldn’t be the first young player to star in the Derby. He ranks in the 97th percentile in average exit velocity and 99th percentile in hard-hit rate, so he can still muscle the ball out in BP even if he slightly mishits it. His long arms might be viewed as a detriment, but remember the similarly tall Aaron Judge won in 2017.
Why he might not: His natural swing isn’t a pure uppercut — he has a pretty low average launch angle of just 6.2 degrees — so we’ll see how that plays in a rapid-fire session. In real games, his power is primarily to the opposite field, but in a Home Run Derby you can get more cheapies pulling the ball down the line.
2025 home runs: 20 | Longest: 479 feet
Why he could win: Buxton’s raw power remains as impressive as nearly any hitter in the game. He crushed a 479-foot home run earlier this season and has four others of at least 425 feet. Indeed, his “no doubter” percentage — home runs that would be out of all 30 parks based on distance — is 75%, the highest in the majors among players with more than a dozen home runs. His bat speed ranks in the 89th percentile. In other words, two tools that could translate to a BP lightning show.
Why he might not: Buxton is 31 and the Home Run Derby feels a little more like a younger man’s competition. Teoscar Hernandez did win last year at age 31, but before that, the last winner older than 29 was David Ortiz in 2010, and that was under much different rules than are used now.
2025 home runs: 16 | Longest: 463 feet
Why he could win: If you drew up a short list of players everyone wants to see in the Home Run Derby, Cruz would be near the top. He has the hardest-hit ball of the 2025 season, and the hardest ever tracked by Statcast, a 432-foot missile of a home run with an exit velocity of 122.9 mph. He also crushed a 463-foot home run in Anaheim that soared way beyond the trees in center field. With his elite bat speed — 100th percentile — Cruz has the ability to awe the crowd with a potentially all-time performance.
Why he might not: Like all first-time contestants, can he stay within himself and not get too caught up in the moment? He has a long swing, which will result in some huge blasts, but might not be the most efficient for a contest like this one, where the more swings a hitter can get in before the clock expires, the better.
2025 home runs: 23 | Longest: 425 feet
Why he could win: Although Caminero was one of the most hyped prospects entering 2024, everyone kind of forgot about him heading into this season since he didn’t immediately rip apart the majors as a rookie. In his first full season, however, he has showed off his big-time raw power — giving him a chance to become just the third player to reach 40 home runs in his age-21 season. He has perhaps the quickest bat in the majors, ranking in the 100th percentile in bat speed, and his top exit velocity ranks in the top 15. That could translate to a barrage of home runs.
Why he might not: In game action, Caminero does hit the ball on the ground quite often — in fact, he’s on pace to break Jim Rice’s record for double plays grounded into in a season. If he gets out of rhythm, that could lead to a lot of low line drives during the Derby instead of fly balls that clear the fences.
2025 home runs: 19 | Longest: 440 feet
Why he could win: The Athletics slugger has been one of the top power hitters in the majors for three seasons now and is on his way to a third straight 30-homer season. Rooker has plus bat speed and raw power, but his biggest strength is an optimal average launch angle (19 degrees in 2024, 15 degrees this season) that translates to home runs in game action. That natural swing could be picture perfect for the Home Run Derby. He also wasn’t shy about saying he wanted to participate — and maybe that bodes well for his chances.
Why he might not: Rooker might not have quite the same raw power as some of the other competitors, as he has just one home run longer than 425 feet in 2025. But that’s a little nitpicky, as 11 of his home runs have still gone 400-plus feet. He competed in the college home run derby in Omaha while at Mississippi State in 2016 and finished fourth.
2025 home runs: 17 | Longest: 442 feet
Why he could win: Chisholm might not be the most obvious name to participate, given his career high of 24 home runs, but he has belted 17 already in 2025 in his first 61 games after missing some time with an injury. He ranks among the MLB leaders in a couple of home run-related categories, ranking in the 96th percentile in expected slugging percentage and 98th percentile in barrel rate. His raw power might not match that of the other participants, but he’s a dead-pull hitter who has increased his launch angle this season, which might translate well to the Derby, even if he won’t be the guy hitting the longest home runs.
Why he might not: Most of the guys who have won this have been big, powerful sluggers. Chisholm is listed at 5-foot-11, 184 pounds, and you have to go back to Miguel Tejada in 2004 to find the last player under 6 foot to win.
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