With the 4 Nations tournament in full swing, delivering everything we hoped for and then some, it's the perfect time to dive into some interesting storylines, both exciting and maybe a little concerning. Of course, we will keep things fantasy relevant. Four games is not much of a sample size, but when has that ever stopped us from handing out our thoughts? So, lets get into the Top 10 list that is all 4 Nations inspired.

10. Rantanen and Aho connect and it won't be the last time

Since landing in Carolina, Mikko Rantanen has looked out of sync, struggling to find his footing in what could be a temporary home. In the tournament, he has managed just one goal, a power-play tally against Sweden. The silver lining? The assists came from Patrik Laine and his new teammate Sebastian Aho. As a Rantanen owner myself, I will take any sign of chemistry as a win. That was easily the best game of the tournament for both Rantanen and Aho, and for the first time, they actually looked like true difference-makers together. Let's see if that carries on after the tournament.

9. Sweden's blueline doing its part

Winning games is the whole point of this tournament (just a minor detail, right?), but despite Sweden's struggles in that department, there are still some bright spots. Their defensive core is producing just as much as their forwards – not exactly a winning formula, but at least they are contributing. If you are a fantasy manager with Rasmus Dahlin, Erik Karlsson, or even Victor Hedman on your roster, you have got to be feeling pretty good seeing them rack up points. Now, if only Sweden's forwards could match that energy, they might actually start winning some games.

8. Binnington looked solid despite what the scoreboard tells you

Through two games Jordan Binnington has been decent but not outstanding. There may have been a goal or two that he would want back but that game against USA was also a game in which Canada was not able to put any pucks in the net. At this point, switching to Adin Hill may be risky as he has not seen any action. Going back to Binnington may be Canada's best option here.

7. Lankinen Making His Case

Finland turned to Kevin Lankinen against Sweden, opting to give him the start over Juuse Saros after Saros got lit up in a 6-1 loss to Team USA. Saros still looks off at the international level, and if he loses the crease again this tournament (which seems likely), it would not be a shock to see those struggles follow him back to Nashville. Meanwhile, Lankinen stepping up in a big moment is nothing new, but it is definitely a reassuring sight for anyone holding shares of him in fantasy. He is on a one-year deal set to expire this summer, and if Vancouver does not lock him in, you can bet another team will.

6. All Eyes on Pettersson, but There's Nothing to See

You can argue that Elias Pettersson had one decent period against Finland, outside of that? Total disappearing act. Zero points, two shots, and just over 15 minutes of ice per game. This tournament was his chance to get back into this groove and prove he can thrive with elite talent. Instead, he is fading into the background. Sure, he is not the only Swede struggling, but after the JT Miller trade, he is the one who has to stand out. Two games, two losses, and Pettersson has been a non-factor. With an $11.6 million price tag looming, the pressure is mounting. Vancouver is all in, now it is on him to show he is worth the investment.

5. Florida is all over this 4 Nations Tournament

What a time to be a Panthers fan. Florida has eight players in the 4 Nations tournament, each representing their country; Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart for Canada, Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola, and Eetu Luostarinen for Finland, Gustav Forsling for Sweden, and Matthew Tkachuk for the U.S. As impressive as that is, what is even better is that five of them have already picked up points, with Tkachuk leading the charge. Even depth guys like Mikkola, Luostarinen, and Lundell are chipping in, which is great news for both the Panthers and your fantasy team down the stretch. Florida's depth continues to shine on the international stage.

4. Hellebuyck in Peak Form

Connor Hellebuyck reminded everyone why he is the best in the business. Sure, he had a minor slip-up in USA's opener against Finland, but since then, he has been dialed in, allowing just one goal against a loaded Team Canada. He leads the NHL in wins, GAA, and save percentage, making yet another Vezina feel almost inevitable. Playoff success has been the one thing missing from his résumé, but if he keeps rolling through this tournament, he could carry that momentum into the back half of the NHL season and take both himself and the Jets to another level.

3. The Tkachuks' Fuel Team USA's Success

The Tkachuk brothers have been outstanding and the talk of the tournament, blending grit with offensive production. Matthew has posted six points, ranking second in high-danger chances with five, outpacing teams like Canada and Finland. His ability to generate scoring chances at such a high rate is elite. Brady, on the other hand, has been a physical force, delivering relentless forechecking and creating chaos around the crease. Their ability to disrupt defenses has been key to Team USA's success. Together, the Tkachuks bring the perfect mix of skill, toughness, and leadership, making USA a force in the tournament.

2. Team Canada Needs More

Sidney Crosby leads Team Canada with 3 assists, all coming in the first game, showing that age really is just a number. Despite his efforts, Canada struggled to generate offense against Team USA. Outside of Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, production has been underwhelming. With three first-overall picks in Crosby, McDavid, and MacKinnon, you would expect Canada to dominate, but their depth needs to step up and fast. Monday's matchup against Finland is a must-win, and they will need a much stronger effort. That will not be easy, as Finland is riding high after a thrilling OT win over Sweden. Canada's stars cannot do it alone, and time is running out.

1. Team USA Setting the Tone

Team USA is making one thing crystal clear, they are here, and are ready for whatever comes their way. They steamrolled Finland with six goals, then took on Canada and completely dictated the pace. Three fights in the opening minutes? That was all about setting the tone, and it worked like a charm. Right now, six of the tournament's top 10-point leaders are wearing the Stars and Stripes: Jake Guentzel, Zach Werenski, Matthew Tkachuk, Matt Boldy, Jack Eichel, and Brady Tkachuk. If Canada wants to get back into the fight, they will need to match that same grit and edge.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.