If it were up to some Maple Leafs fans, Auston Matthews would also be opting out of the 4 Nations Face-Off, writes Michael Traikos.

Vegas Golden Knights veteran defenceman Alex Pietrangelo has withdrawn from the 4 Nations Face-Off, the team announced Sunday.

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been selected as the U.S. captain for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

Pietrangelo is the first player to withdraw from the tournament, which also features the United States, Sweden and Finland. Sweden is expected to make some lineup changes, though, with goaltenders Jacob Markstrom and Linus Ullmark, and forward William Karlsson, all currently injured.

Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has withdrawn from the 4 Nations Face-Off, the team announced Sunday.

According to TSN commentator Pierre LeBrun, Doughty's return is "imminent" and "He should be play his first game with Kings within next 3-5 games. If he can show he's up to speed in time for 4 Nations, has a real shot at being the guy."

In fact, NHL insider Darren Dreger reported on Monday morning that Canada may be taking its time naming a replacement for Pietrangelo exactly because of Doughty's impending return to the ice.

Golden Knights defenseman was on Team Canada's roster for best-on-best tournament, which will be held from Feb. 12-20

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is withdrawing from Team Canada's squad in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off to tend to an ailment and to be ready for the rest of the regular season, the NHL club announced Sunday.

The Los Angeles Kings defenceman will make his season debut against the Florida Panthers after recovering from a fractured ankle.

Adin Hill made 32 saves, Tanner Pearson had his first game-winning goal of the season and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 on Sunday night.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will make his season debut Wednesday against the Florida Panthers, head coach Jim Hiller announced, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.Doughty missed Los Angeles' first 47 games after fracturing his ankle in an awkward fall during a September preseason contest.