Joey Daccord has made waves this NHL season as one of the league’s standout goaltenders, helping to anchor the Seattle Kraken with stellar performances. As the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off approaches, Daccord faces an intriguing decision: whether to represent one of three eligible nations or sit out entirely to focus on the Kraken’s playoff push.
Born in North Andover, Massachusetts, Daccord is eligible to represent Team USA. However, his lineage also makes him a candidate for Team Canada, thanks to his father’s Montreal roots, and Team Switzerland, through his mother. This unique situation places Daccord at the center of discussions about roster decisions for this landmark tournament.
What is the 4 Nations Face-Off?
The 4 Nations Face-Off is a brand-new international hockey event replacing the NHL All-Star Game as the premier mid-season showcase. Featuring teams from the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and Sweden, the tournament brings together the best talent in the world for a high-stakes competition.
For players, it is a chance to represent their countries in a competitive format while earning bragging rights among the hockey elite. For fans, it is a chance to see dream matchups on the international stage.
For Daccord, it is an opportunity to add another milestone to his growing resume, which already includes the only shutout in Winter Classic history.
The teams and the fit
Team USA: Daccord’s home country has no shortage of elite goaltending talent. With Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger likely to lead the roster, Daccord would face stiff competition for ice time. While he would undoubtedly be a strong depth option, the abundance of talent might make Team USA a less likely landing spot.
Team Canada: Canada presents an intriguing opportunity. Unlike Team USA, Canada lacks a clear goaltending leader. Rumors have circulated that the Canadian coaching staff is considering Daccord for a spot on their roster, recognizing his strong performances this season as a valuable asset. For Daccord, this could mean a chance to make a real impact on a powerhouse team looking to reclaim international glory.
Team Switzerland: The most unique option, Switzerland has long been an underdog on the international stage. However, their goaltending depth, featuring Jacob Markstrom and Filip Gustavsson, makes it harder for Daccord to carve out a significant role. Still, representing Switzerland would be a meaningful way to honor his mother’s heritage and elevate a nation that continues to rise in prominence.
Switzerland has already shown interest in Daccord. They invited him to represent them at the 2023 World Championship, but he declined the opportunity. To date, Daccord has not played internationally for any team, making his potential debut a compelling storyline for this tournament.
A Kraken milestone
While Daccord’s participation in the tournament is not guaranteed, his decision carries weight for the Seattle Kraken as well. As a relatively new team in the NHL, the Kraken are not yet considered a marquee franchise. Having Daccord represent them on this stage would bring recognition to a team quietly building its reputation in the league.
On the flip side, Daccord could decide to skip the tournament entirely, prioritizing his performance with the Kraken. For a player already juggling the demands of a breakout NHL season, the added workload of international competition might not appeal.
The decision ahead
Joey Daccord’s choice is not just about picking a jersey. It is about defining his place in the hockey world. Whether he opts for the star-studded Team USA, the historically dominant Team Canada, or the underdog Swiss squad, his presence would bring skill and stability to any crease.
If Daccord decides to sit this one out, it is hard to fault him for putting the Kraken first. But for Seattle fans, seeing their goaltender shine on the international stage would be a point of pride, particularly in a tournament of this magnitude.
No matter what he chooses, Daccord’s unique situation highlights the growing importance of his role, not just for the Kraken but for hockey as a whole.