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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 truly cool,” he remarked. “I’m really excited to put on that jersey. It looks good.”

The tournament involving Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States will not take place until Feb. 12-20 and is set to be played exclusively in North America, specifically Montreal and Boston. However, it already created excitement during the European Player Media Tour on Wednesday. This was a day dedicated to interviews and video shoots in Prague, intended to advertise the forthcoming NHL season.

The upcoming tournament will be the first premier competition featuring NHL players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. International hockey holds significant importance in Europe, where the IIHF World Championship and World Junior Championship are avidly followed by fans. Despite Canada being the anticipated favorite and the United States being a strong contender, both Sweden and Finland believe they have potential to clinch the 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 being frequently questioned by European media about the 4 Nations Face-Off.

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

On June 28, each team announced its initial six players. The remainder of the rosters will be revealed between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2. This implies that the beginning of the NHL season will also serve as an audition for numerous players from the four nations.

“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 have any expectations for it,” said Sandin. “Whether I’m chosen or not, I’m just excited to see the return of top-tier hockey. Naturally, I’d love to participate. The first month feels a bit like a tryout. It all depends on your performance and whether they appreciate it.”

Every team is set to participate in three round-robin matches, with three points given for a regulation victory, two points for a win in overtime or shootout, and one point for a loss in overtime or shootout. The championship game will feature the two teams with the most impressive records. This arrangement could potentially benefit Sweden and Finland.

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

Four games are scheduled to be hosted by Montreal: Canada vs. Sweden on Feb. 12, US vs. Finland on Feb. 13, and a doubleheader of rivalry matches on Feb. 15 – Finland vs. Sweden and the US vs. Canada.

“Playing against Sweden is always a significant event,” said Luukkonen. “However, doing so on such a grand stage, with the best players participating, will be truly special. I believe everyone back home is eagerly anticipating this.” He added, “It’s going to be very exciting.”

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

“Prime time,” exclaimed Aho, “It’s surreal. That’s a major rivalry. I’m confident that the game will attract a large audience in both Finland and Sweden. There will be a lot of excitement surrounding the game. It’s extraordinary.”

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

“I’m incredibly thrilled,” expressed Bill Daly, the NHL deputy commissioner. “I anticipate a remarkable contest. The teams, in my view, are more evenly matched in their competitiveness than they have ever been. Selecting a team of 25 players from any of those four nations would result in an extraordinary team.”

Who knows who will win?

“Undoubtedly, all the teams are excellent,” stated Ersson. “Canada and the U.S. particularly have strong teams. However, the tournament’s short duration means that many high-profile players may need to adapt to different roles than they’re accustomed to. I believe this might be slightly easier for Team Sweden and the Finns, which could potentially give us an advantage.”