Stars' Thomas Harley could play for Canada vs. USA if Makar can't go

Thomas Harley's wild week appears to be taking another unexpected twist.

With defenceman Cale Makar missing Canada's practice on Friday at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Harley has been summoned to Montreal. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports the Dallas Stars defenceman will be eligible to play Saturday against Team USA if Makar can't suit up.

Canadian head coach Jon Cooper told reporters Saturday that Makar is listed as a game-time decision. Harley was at the team's morning skate on Saturday but wasn't allowed to practise because Makar was on the ice.

If Makar is able to play, Harley can't slot into the lineup, Friedman added. After practice on Friday, however, Canada coach Jon Cooper said he is "confident" Makar will be able to play.

Harley originally was scheduled to meet Canada in Boston, where the team faces Finland on Monday, after defenceman Shea Theodore suffered a tournament-ending injury in Wednesday's game against Sweden. He is considered a standby defenceman in case of another injury. Canada was allowed to put a player or two "on notice" after the Theodore injury.

Tournament rules dictate that Canada is not permitted to replace Theodore and that Travis Sanheim, who was on Canada's roster as the seventh defenceman, will take Theodore's place on Saturday against the United States.

Harley, 23, has nine goals and 29 points in 53 games for the Stars this season.

Makar played a game-high 28:06 in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over Sweden, checking in with an even plus/minus, recording two shots on goal and blocking three shots.

The 2021-22 Norris Trophy winner skated alongside his Colorado Avalanche defence partner, Devon Toews, in Canada's win.

Puck drops between the U.S. and Canada at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Saturday. Catch all the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.