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PRAGUE — The jersey designs for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off haven’t been released publicly yet, so when Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros got a sneak preview of the Finland jersey during a video shoot Wednesday, he cradled it in his hands, studied the top-secret details and broke into a big grin.

“He expressed his thoughts, “I believe it’s really awesome,” he said. “I am genuinely thrilled to wear that jersey. It looks great.”

The tournament that includes Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States is scheduled to take place from Feb. 12-20 and will be hosted exclusively in North America, specifically in Montreal and Boston. However, it already stirred excitement during the European Player Media Tour on Wednesday. This day was filled with interviews and video shoots in Prague to hype up the forthcoming NHL season.

This is set to be the premier tournament featuring NHL players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. In Europe, international hockey is highly valued, with fans regularly tuning in to watch the IIHF World Championship and World Junior Championship. Although Canada is considered the top contender and the United States is also in the running, Sweden and Finland each believe they have a good chance of victory.

“Just as a fan of hockey, you know, you’re so happy that the best-on-best tournaments are back,” said Philadelphia Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson, a candidate to play for Sweden. “I feel like that’s something that hockey needs, and I think that’ll be a great thing for the sport, just to build the sport on the international stage.”

Players reported that they were frequently questioned about the 4 Nations Face-Off by European media.

“Everyone’s pumped,” said Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho, who will play for Finland.

On June 28, every team revealed their first six players. The remaining team members will be announced between November 29 and December 2. Consequently, the beginning of the NHL season will serve as a trial for numerous players from the four countries.

“Everybody wants to be part of the tournament,” said Buffalo Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, a candidate for Finland. “I think the start of the season will be more crucial than ever now. Team-wise, of course, everybody wants to start hot. But now everybody has a little bit of chip on their shoulder to make the 4 Nations team too.”

Each roster will be tough to crack. That doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the tournament for a player like Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin, who will try to impress the Sweden executives.

“I don’t really hold any expectations for it,” stated Sandin. “Whether I’m chosen or not, I’m simply excited to have [best-on-best hockey] return, in my opinion. However, I’d definitely be thrilled to participate. The first month feels somewhat like a trial period. It ultimately depends on your performance and if they appreciate it.”

Every team will participate in three round-robin matches, where they acquire three points for a win during regular time, two points for a victory in overtime or shootout, and one point for a loss in overtime or shootout. The two teams with the top records will proceed to the final game. This structure may be beneficial for Sweden and Finland.

“Aho stated, “This isn’t akin to a best-of-7 series. Facing some of the matchups in that scenario would be slightly more challenging. Tournament hockey has a somewhat different dynamic.”

Four games are scheduled to take place in Montreal: Canada is set to compete against Sweden on Feb. 12, the United States will face Finland on Feb. 13, and Feb. 15 will feature a doubleheader of rivalry matches, pitting Finland against Sweden and the United States against Canada.

“Playing against Sweden is always a significant event,” said Luukkonen, “but doing so on such a grand stage, with the finest players participating, elevates it to something special. I believe everyone back home is eagerly anticipating this. It’s going to be extremely exciting.”

The game between Finland and Sweden is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, a crucial timing for the TV audience, given the time difference between North America and Europe.

“Prime time,” declared Aho, “It’s incredible. It’s a significant rivalry. I’m confident that the game will be watched by numerous people in both Finland and Sweden and it will generate a lot of excitement. That’s extraordinary.”

Three games will be hosted by Boston: a Feb. 17 doubleheader featuring Canada vs. Finland and Sweden vs. the United States, as well as the championship game on Feb. 20.

“I’m incredibly thrilled,” expressed Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner. “I predict an exceptional competition. I believe that the teams’ competitiveness is more evenly matched than ever before. Selecting a 25-player squad for any of those four countries results in a phenomenal team.”

Who knows who will win?

“Clearly, all the teams are outstanding,” Ersson stated. “Canada and the U.S. undoubtedly have exceptional teams. However, this is a brief tournament. The presence of numerous prominent players might require some to adapt to roles they aren’t accustomed to. I believe this might be slightly simpler for the Swedish and Finnish teams, which could potentially give us an advantage.”