Robert Thomas already knew his chances were pretty much finished. Nick Suzuki held out at least some hope until the end.

Canada named its full roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off — a table-setting showcase ahead of the NHL's Olympic return in 2026 — last December after plenty of internal and external debate.

Media members dissected choices. Fans drooled over potential line combinations and trumpeted the opportunity to finally see Sidney Crosby skate with Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon on a big international stage.

Players on the bubble omitted from the exclusive list, meanwhile, were left bitterly disappointed.

Thomas, a centre for the St. Louis Blues, broke his ankle in October and didn't make the cut when Canada made its announcement alongside the United States, Sweden and Finland

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