The 2024 4 Nations Face-Off, an elite international hockey competition, features top-tier talent from four powerhouse hockey nations: Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States. For fans of the Calgary Flames, this year's tournament is particularly notable due to the inclusion of one of their standout players, Rasmus Andersson, on Team Sweden's roster.
While the Flames had other potential candidates for the tournament, such as MacKenzie Weegar and Mikael Backlund, only Andersson was selected to represent his country. This article takes an in-depth look at Andersson's role in the tournament, his performance with the Flames this season, and the cases for and against the inclusion of Weegar and Backlund.
Rasmus Andersson: Sweden's Defensive Anchor
Rasmus Andersson, a key component of the Calgary Flames' blue line, earned a spot on Team Sweden’s roster for the 2024 4 Nations Face-Off. His selection was met with enthusiasm from both Flames fans and hockey analysts alike. Known for his defensive reliability and two-way play, Andersson’s presence on the Swedish roster adds depth to an already formidable defensive corps.
Season Stats (as of December 2024):
- Games Played: 26
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 12
- Points: 16
- Average Time on Ice: 23:45
Andersson’s ability to log significant ice time while effectively shutting down top offensive threats has made him indispensable for the Flames. His blend of physicality, vision, and puck-moving skills allows him to transition from defense to offense seamlessly. These qualities likely contributed to his selection for Team Sweden’s roster, where he’s expected to play a top-four role on defense.
Impact for Team Sweden
For Sweden, Andersson’s experience and skill set provide versatility and stability. He’s capable of playing both on the power play and the penalty kill, which makes him a valuable asset in a short, high-stakes tournament like the 4 Nations Face-Off. His ability to log big minutes and provide a calming presence on the back end is precisely what Sweden’s national team needs in a competition featuring elite offensive talents from Canada, the United States, and Finland.
MacKenzie Weegar: The Snub That Raised Eyebrows
While Andersson’s inclusion was expected, MacKenzie Weegar’s exclusion from Team Canada’s roster raised several eyebrows. As one of the Flames’ top defensemen, Weegar’s resume includes strong two-way play, leadership, and the ability to contribute offensively.
Season Stats (as of December 2024):
- Games Played: 26
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 10
- Points: 12
- Plus/Minus: +5
- Hits: 57
Weegar’s exclusion was seen as controversial given his ability to match up against top competition, his versatility, and his proficiency in handling high-pressure situations. Critics argued that his exclusion might be attributed to "managerial bias" given the inclusion of players like Colton Parayko and Travis Sanheim, whose general managers played a role in selecting the Canadian team.
Could Weegar Have Made an Impact for Team Canada?
Weegar’s snub is puzzling when considering his defensive contributions to the Flames. He excels at shot suppression, neutralizing offensive zone entries, and playing a "shutdown" role. While Team Canada’s blue line is stacked with talent, some believe Weegar’s style of play would have been better suited to international competition than that of Parayko or Sanheim. Unfortunately, he’ll have to watch from the sidelines this time, but his strong season with the Flames may still earn him a future opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf.
Mikael Backlund: The Veteran Left Behind
Mikael Backlund’s name was floated as a possible candidate for Sweden’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster. While his inclusion wasn’t as widely expected as Andersson’s, Backlund’s experience as a veteran leader and his history of international play made him a plausible pick.
Season Stats (as of December 2024):
- Games Played: 26
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 11
- Points: 14
- Faceoff Win Percentage: 54.2%
Backlund’s value extends beyond the scoresheet. As a defensive forward, he’s known for his ability to kill penalties, win key faceoffs, and provide veteran leadership. Backlund’s previous experience with Sweden includes serving as captain for the 2018 IIHF World Championships, where he led the team to a gold medal. Despite this pedigree, Sweden’s decision-makers opted for younger, faster forwards, leaving Backlund on the outside looking in.
Photo: NHLPA
Did Sweden Miss an Opportunity?
While it’s difficult to argue that Backlund’s production this season merited automatic inclusion, his intangible qualities as a leader and his defensive acumen were arguably assets that Sweden could have used. His ability to win crucial faceoffs and his experience in international play are qualities that often prove invaluable in tight, win-or-go-home scenarios. Still, Sweden’s roster strategy appears to prioritize speed and youth, which left Backlund on the outside looking in.
What This Means for the Flames
Although only one Flames player will be participating in the 2024 4 Nations Face-Off, the tournament still has implications for the rest of the team. Andersson’s participation will provide him with high-level competition, which could translate into improved performance upon his return to the Flames’ lineup.
For Weegar and Backlund, being left off their respective national teams could serve as motivation. Players often use these perceived "snubs" as fuel for the remainder of the NHL season. Flames fans may see an inspired Weegar, looking to prove that he’s worthy of a spot on Team Canada’s roster in the future.
While only Rasmus Andersson will be representing the Calgary Flames at the 2024 4 Nations Face-Off, the tournament’s impact on the Flames goes beyond just Andersson’s participation. The exclusion of MacKenzie Weegar and Mikael Backlund has sparked discussion about selection biases and roster decisions for international tournaments. Flames fans will no doubt be watching Andersson closely as he competes on the international stage, while also keeping an eye on how Weegar and Backlund respond for the remainder of the NHL season.
The 4 Nations Face-Off serves as a reminder of the talent within the Flames organization and highlights the fine margins that separate players at the highest level of competition. For Andersson, it’s an opportunity to showcase his skills on the world stage. For Weegar and Backlund, it’s a chance to prove that their omissions were mistakes. Either way, Calgary Flames fans have plenty to be excited about as the international hockey calendar unfolds.