Team USA is calling in reinforcements for the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Sportsnet can confirm that New Jersey Devils defenceman Brett Pesce and Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson have been invited to travel to Boston.
Both players are being brought in if the team needs a potential injury or illness replacement ahead of the final against Canada.
However, neither player can suit up unless the U.S. drops below the minimum roster.
Canada vs. USA in 4 Nations Face-Off final on Sportsnet
Fierce rivals Canada and the U.S. collide in Boston on Thursday for the 4 Nations Face-Off final. Full coverage begins on on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.
Full broadcast schedule
Initially, the U.S. was hoping that Quinn Hughes would be able to join the team but the Vancouver Canucks captain was not going to travel across the country if he wasn't eligible to play in the final.
The Canucks defenceman was listed as an injury replacement after the Boston Bruins announced star defenceman Charlie McAvoy will miss the championship game after being admitted to hospital for tests related to an upper-body injury.
Going into the game, the U.S. had injury concerns for Brady and Matthew Tkachuk as well as Auston Matthews and Vincent Trocheck. However, head coach Mike Sullivan said he expects those players to be available.
Brady exited early against Sweden for precautionary reasons after he slammed into the post while going in on net.
Matthew was asked about his brother's injury on Wednesday and reiterated his brother's desire to suit up.
"[He's] saving everything he has for tomorrow night and I'm very confident he'll be at his absolute best."
Trocheck, who briefly exited Monday's game against Sweden, told reporters he is good to go for Thursday's final.
After practice Wednesday, Matthews said that he's "feeling a lot better." The Toronto Maple Leafs captain was "battling something," according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and was given the night off against Sweden to rest
"There's no way I was missing this game."
You can watch the highly anticipated rematch between the northern rivals on Thursday live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
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