Travis Sanheim is on the shortlist of defensemen to make Team Canada for the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off this February.
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The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off will bring the NHLs best players together to represent their native countries. A tournament created to showcase the best talent in the NHL rather than the usual all-star game.
Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States will be the four nations that make up the tournament. It will follow the same rules and format from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Each country will play three round robin games, one game against each country. The top two countries after the round robin is finished will play in a one-game final.
So far, each country has released the first six players on their rosters. It was apart of the marketing strategy for the tournament.
One name that has been circulating as a potential fit for Team Canada is Flyers Travis Sanheim.
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The Elkhorn Manitoba native has been statistically one of the best defenseman in the NHL this season. Taking his game to another level in the absence of his defense partner Cam York, who has missed the past 13 games due to injury.
In the past, Sanheim has represented Team Canada at multiple levels. Winning a bronze medal with the U17 and U18 teams, as well as a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships.
One of Travis Sanheim’s biggest supporters is his head coach John Tortorella.
Tortorella, who coached Team USA in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, has been making it well known that Sanheim deserves a spot on Team Canada in the tournament.
“I hope Hockey Canada is watching,” Tortorella mentioned after the Flyers 5-2 win over the Sabres last Saturday. “Because of that guy is not on that team, when they pick that team — he has just been so impressive.”
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It’s no surprise why the 8 year NHL veteran is in heavy consideration for a spot on the roster. His play certainly warrants it.
Since October 23rd, his average ice time of 27:03 leads all NHL defenseman. Also, ranks 1st in takeaways (19), T-4th in blocks (34), and T-7th in points (4G+7A) during that time.
So far this season, especially with the absence of York, Sanheim has been relied on heavily and he has responded. But, not much rest has been there for the 28 year old defenseman.
Last season, Sanheim – and Cam York – both hit a wall in the last month of the season. A direct result from the Flyers running them into the ground over the final quarter of the season.
While a spot on Team Canada would be a nice reward for his play this season, could it effect his performance in the latter part of the season?
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“I don’t give a sh*t,” John Tortorella told reporters when asked about Sanheim playing the extra games representing his country. “That’s your country.”
Tortorella added “to have the opportunity to play for your country, it does nothing but do great things for you.”
Many would probably prefer Sanheim take the two weeks off to rest. But, the chance to represent your country doesn’t come around too often. Especially for a tournament like this one.
“I hope he gets an opportunity,” John Tortorella finished with when talking about Team Canada should be watching Sanheim.
While the worn down factor is there, the benefits of Sanheim earning and playing for his country outweigh the possibility of another tiring end to the season.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mitchell Leff – Getty Images
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