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.

With McAvoy’s absence, Team USA put Quinn Hughes on standby Tuesday, however, the club just got the terrible news that the Vancouver Canucks’ blue liner has not been medically cleared and will not be able to travel to Boston to step in as replacement for the Americans.

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.