Sweeney 'pretty confident' in Canada's goalies for 4 Nations Face-Off

Goaltending is widely considered Team Canada's biggest weakness for the upcoming international tournaments, but 4 Nations Face-Off general manager Don Sweeney isn't worried about a lack of options between the pipes.

"I don't think we share that same angst," Sweeney told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "We've got guys that have proven they can win at the highest level. And we'll have guys that are going to play well as we’re going through it. So I don't think we quite see things the same way (as media and fans).

"Where we sit right now, we're pretty confident in the group we're evaluating and the chance that we're going to have to win."

Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland announced the first six players on their respective rosters in June for February's tournament. The deadline for full lineups is Dec. 2.

Finland was the only country to choose a goalie - Nashville Predators star Juuse Saros - for its initial roster. The United States has an embarrassment of riches at the position, including Connor Hellebuyck, Thatcher Demko, Jeremy Swayman, and Jake Oettinger.

The frontrunners to represent Canada between the pipes are likely Jordan Binnington, Stuart Skinner, and Adin Hill. Longshots who'll try to earn a roster spot include the likes of Connor Ingram and Sam Montembeault, among others.

"The goaltender position is no different than any other player," Sweeney said. "We've got a group of guys we're evaluating. Sometimes you've got a young guy emerging as he goes through the league. Some of those things are factors. Who's playing well? Who are the best players for us when we go to make that decision?"

The NHL designed the 4 Nations Face-Off to launch a new best-on-best international calendar that includes the 2026 Olympics in Italy. The former event will take place in Montreal and Boston over the winter in place of the All-Star Game.