NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the players’ union, NHLPA, and the league have been in close consultation to craft a backup plan for Team Canada in their highly touted game against Team USA. With star defenseman Cale Makar ill, it was agreed between the two that veteran Thomas Harley can be brought in to supplement Canada’s lineup in case Makar is not in a position to play on Saturday evening.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly says the league and NHLPA spoke today and agreed given circumstances that Thomas Harley can come in and join Team Canada in case Cale Makar (illness) can’t play Saturday night. @TSNHockey @TheAthletic
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 14, 2025
This proactive move serves to underscore the desire of both the players’ union and the league to keep a competitive Team Canada on the international scene. Harley is a defensive anchor with leadership potential, viewed as a excellent backup to help supply a stabilizing presence to the team’s defense in a high-profile situation.
The decision is one that comes in response to growing pressure in advance of the highly touted game already receiving a great deal of attention from fans and media. The NHL Deputy Commissioner emphasized that it is a reflection of a unifying and readiness across all levels of the league. By working in close partnership with the NHLPA, the league has been able to demonstrate that even in a non-playing function, cooperative effort can be a key to high-level performance in international competition.
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