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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.

“I believe it’s truly awesome,” he expressed. “I’m really eager to don that jersey. It looks nice.”

The tournament, which includes teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, won’t take place until February 12-20. The entire competition will be held in North America, specifically in Montreal and Boston. Despite this, the event created a stir during the European Player Media Tour on Wednesday. This day, filled with interviews and video shoots in Prague, was designed to generate anticipation for the forthcoming NHL season.

This is set to be the premier tournament featuring NHL players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. In Europe, where international hockey is highly valued, fans tune in to watch the IIHF World Championship and World Junior Championship. Canada is considered the top contender, followed by the United States, but both Sweden and Finland believe they have a shot at victory too.

“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 that European media frequently asked them about the 4 Nations Face-Off.

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

On June 28, every team revealed their initial six players. The remaining team members will be announced between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2. Consequently, the beginning of the NHL season will also serve as a tryout 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.

“Personally, I don’t hold any expectations,” said Sandin. “Regardless of whether I’m chosen or not, I’m just excited about the return of [best-on-best hockey]. Naturally, I would be thrilled to participate. The first month is somewhat of a trial period. Your performance determines your fate, and then you wait to see if they approve.”

Every team is set to participate in three round-robin matches, with the following points system: three points for a win in regulation time, two points if victory is achieved in overtime or shootout, and one point for a loss in overtime or shootout. The two teams with the most impressive records will proceed to the final game. This format could potentially be beneficial for teams like Sweden and Finland.

“Aho said, “This is not similar to a best-of-7 series. Facing some of the matchups would be slightly more challenging in that case. Tournament hockey differs somewhat.”

Four games will be hosted by Montreal: Canada versus Sweden on Feb. 12, the United States versus Finland on Feb. 13, followed by a doubleheader on Feb. 15 featuring rivalry games between Finland and Sweden, and the United States and Canada.

“Playing against Sweden is always a significant event,” said Luukkonen, “but doing so on such a grand stage will be extraordinary, especially with the best players available. I believe everyone back home is eagerly anticipating this. It’s going to be extremely cool.”

The game between Finland and Sweden will take place at 1 p.m. ET, a crucial timing for the TV viewers given the time difference between North America and Europe.

“It’s prime time,” Aho declared. “Incredible. It’s a major rivalry. I’m confident that plenty of people in both Finland and Sweden will tune in to watch that game, creating a significant buzz. It’s truly special.”

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

“I’m truly thrilled,” expressed Bill Daly, NHL’s deputy commissioner. “I believe the competition will be extraordinarily intense. The teams, in terms of their competitiveness, are closer than they’ve ever been. Selecting a team of 25 players from any of those four countries will result in a remarkable team,” he added.

Who knows who will win?

Ersson stated, “Clearly, all the teams are exceptional, specifically Canada and the U.S., which have incredibly strong teams. However, the nature of the short tournament might necessitate players taking on unfamiliar roles. This could potentially be less challenging for Team Sweden and the Finns, giving us a possible advantage.”