THE NHL takes a break in February to play internationally Face to face of the 4 Nations featuring league players from the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden.

Each country has named its first six players and the rest of the 23 players (20 skaters, three goaltenders) will be named in one month, between November 29 and December 2.

So far, only one goalkeeper has been named – the Nashville Predators‘ Juuse Saros by the Finnish team, meaning 11 more must be named before the deadline. Players must be on NHL rosters by December 2 to be included.

THE UNITED STATES TODAY takes a look at the goaltending possibilities for the tournament and how these players are faring:

UNITED STATES

Analysis: An injury to Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, who has yet to play this season, takes a key player out of the mix. But the goaltenders will be a strength for the United States if that is the trio. Hellebuyck is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and has helped the Jets get off to a franchise-best 8-0 start this season. He leads the league with seven wins. Oettinger has led the Stars to the Western Conference Finals the past two seasons and has a 1.84 goals-against average and .938 save percentage this season. Swayman recorded a career-best .933 save percentage in the playoffs last season. Hellebuyck is probably the No. 1 pick.

Other options: Charlie Lindgren, Washington; Joey Daccord, Seattle

Finland

Analysis: Saros, a two-time All-Star, could get most or all of the tournament’s starts, and Buffalo’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will likely be chosen, although Annunen and Lankinen’s numbers are better at the moment. Annunen started thanks to the difficulties of Alexandar Georgiev and Lankinen intensified his action in the absence of Demko. Finland is known for producing NHL caliber goalies and this will be a force in February.

Other options: Luukkonen

Suede

Analysis: Ullmark secures first place as winner of the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy. Gustavsson has lost once in regulation and has a .922 save percentage to start the season for the Wild starting strong. Markstrom has had his ups and downs this season after his trade to New Jersey, but he has five wins and one shutout.

Other options: Samuel Ersson, Philadelphia

Canada

Analysis: Binnington (2019) and Hill (2023) won the Stanley Cup and Skinner reached the Stanley Cup Final last season, but Canada is generally considered to have the weakest goaltending in the tournament. Hill and Skinner have inflated the numbers this season, and as of Wednesday, no Canadian starting goaltender had a goals-against average below 3.00. Montembeault attracted a lot of attention after a 48-save shutout in Game 1, but he gave up. He could get the nod because he helped Canada win the 2023 World Championships.

Other options: Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles, 2022 Stanley Cup winner

When does the 4 Nations confrontation take place?

The tournament will be played from February 12 to 20 at the Bell Center in Montreal and at the TD Garden in Boston.

Calendar of 4 Nations confrontations

(Times pm ET)

Wednesday February 12: Canada vs. Sweden in Montreal, 8, TNT

Thursday February 13: United States vs. Finland in Montreal, 8, ESPN

Saturday February 15: Finland vs. Sweden in Montreal, 1, ABC

Saturday February 15: United States vs. Canada in Montreal, 8, ABC

Monday February 17: Canada vs. Finland in Boston, 1, TNT

Monday February 17: Sweden vs. USA in Boston, 8, TNT

Thursday February 20: Championship game in Boston, 8, ESPN

This article was originally published on USA TODAY: 4 Nations Goaltending Possibilities for NHL Tournament