How Team USA built its NHL 4 Nations Face-Off roster

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A few days before Thanksgiving, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin was in Columbus to scout the Blue Jackets. After the game, he went for dinner and drinks with Chris Kelleher, his assistant general manager.

As the restaurant started emptying out, a few Blue Jackets players walked in, including defenseman Zach Werenski and his fiancé, Odette Peters. The couple said hello before sitting at their table.

"Should we tell him tonight?" Kelleher asked. "We won't be able to tell many of the guys in person."

So Guerin summoned the couple back. "I just need you guys to pick up the check, I forgot my wallet," Guerin joked. "His fiancé was great, she said, 'I'll buy your dinner if you put…