We have more updates regarding Team USA’s situation following the call-up of defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Just hours after confirming that Quinn Hughes would be arriving in Boston to join the Americans due to Charlie McAvoy’s injury, the National Hockey League has made a clarification.

 

Following this announcement, Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman clarified the situation.

“I’m told another injury is required for Quinn Hughes to be able to play.” – Elliotte Friedman

That makes a bit more sense, but it once again highlights how unclear and ridiculous the rules are.. It’s embarrassing for Gary Bettman and the NHL, in my opinion.

As recently as this morning, the United States stated that they couldn’t call up a player, yet now they will have Quinn Hughes just in case.

 

The NHL clarifies the rule involving Quinn Hughes and the exception granted to Team USA ahead of the final against Canada

Here is the exact statement from Bill Daly.

“According to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly,

Just like Harley and Canada, Quinn Hughes ‘is not IN unless someone else is definitively OUT due to injury or illness.

He cannot practice with the team or play until that happens.’

Via Pierre LeBrun

 

These rules will need to be clarified for the next event, without a doubt.

“Quinn Hughes will not be allowed to play unless the United States has fewer than six healthy defensemen before Thursday’s championship game.”

Michael Russo, The Athletic

 

This is a situation to watch closely, but let’s just say it would be quite suspicious if another American defenseman mysteriously caught the “flu” before Thursday.