The NHL should bend the rules to allow the best defender in the world play for Team USA at 4 Nations Face-Off.

Vancouver does have goalie Kevin Lankinen, who signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract ($4.5 million average annual value) on Friday that starts next season. Lankinen, who played for Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off, is 19-8-7 with a .905 save percentage and four shutouts in 34 games.

The math isn’t daunting for the Vancouver Canucks to secure an NHL playoff position. However, getting back to the big dance for the second consecutive season means there must be key additions — notably Quinn Hughes and Thatcher Demko returning from injury — and no further subtractions to ensure they won’t have to go on a crazy run in 27 remaining regular-season games.

The hits keep coming for the Vancouver Canucks. It looks like they'll be without Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson.

Lankinen allowed four goals on 13 shots before getting the second-period hook in favour of Juuse Saros. It was a bitter 5-3 loss in which Finland had no answer for Canada’s speed, drive and finish. Finland scored three times in the third period,

Quinn Hughes replaces injured Charlie McAvoy in Team USA's 4 Nations Face-Off against Canada. Hughes, a top defenceman with 59 points in 47 games, missed the Canucks' last four games due to injury. He joins the team led by coach Mike Sullivan.

Charlie McAvoy is out with a shoulder infection and Quinn Hughes isn't likely to be, also. The Vancouver Canucks captain -- sidelined with an oblique injury since Jan. 31 -- practiced for the second straight day on Wednesday in Vancouver,

Hughes was named to the U.S. roster in June but bowed out due to an oblique injury. He can't play unless another defenseman is unavailable.

Canucks star Quinn Hughes would fly to the moon to play for Team USA. But he’s also realistic about keeping himself in the best condition he can in advance of his return from injury.