What's best for country isn't always what's best for club, as made clear by this week's dance among the Canucks, Team USA and the NHL.

With Hughes unavailable, Team USA has extended invitations to Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson and New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce to join the team in Boston as injury replacements. Like Hughes, Thompson and Pesce would only be available to play if another member of the team is unable to play.

Team USA said Quinn Hughes was flying to Boston to join them at least as emergency depth. But Hughes was still in Vancouver and unsure of his status.