Team Canada defenceman Josh Morrissey went down with injury their first game of the Olympics, but not injury reinforcements are on the way.
Josh Morrissey, who plays defense for Team Canada, got hurt during their first game in the Olympics, but no one is coming to help with replacements for injuries.
Many hockey fans were stunned to see Bouchard left off Canada’s Olympic roster, especially as he would at least be an elite option for injury replacement. However, with the team now in Milan, that ship has sailed.
A lot of hockey fans were shocked when they saw that Bouchard wasn’t picked for Canada’s Olympic team, particularly because he would have been a fantastic choice to fill in for someone hurt. But now that the team is in Milan, it’s too late to change things.
Elliotte Friedman confirms no injury replacements will join Team Canada
Postgame, Jon Cooper told @sportsnetkyle that Josh Morrissey tried to come back, but couldn’t.
They are hopeful it’s not serious
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 12, 2026
Right after the game, Elliotte Friedman shared important news about the rules for replacing injured players in the Olympics on the CBC broadcast.
Morrissey played one shift in the second period, did not return. We’ll see, hopefully not bad, but the guy’s had awful luck – because the tournament has started, Canada cannot add an injury replacement.
Morrissey was on the ice for just one shift in the second period but didn’t come back afterwards. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious, but he has had terrible luck with injuries. Since the tournament is already underway, Canada cannot replace him with another player.
Elliotte Friedman
Friedman pointed out that Morrissey has had really bad luck with injuries lately, including last year during the 4 Nations Faceoff where he had to leave the tournament early.
It’s likely Shea Theodore will enter the lineup in Morrissey’s place, but even Theodore has dealt with recurring injury problems in recent seasons. Just the absence of Morrissey leaves a big hole in Canada’s top 4 group, and he’s one of the team’s better pick movers on the back end.
Shea Theodore will probably step in to take Morrissey’s spot, but Theodore has also had his share of injury issues in the past few seasons. Losing Morrissey creates a significant gap in Canada’s top four defensemen, and he is one of the better players at moving the puck from the back.
Evan Bouchard should’ve been named to Team Canada’s roster for this exact reason. Bouchard is a superb puck mover who can enter the lineup to make up for a loss like this, and he’s been incredibly durable over his career. In fact, Bouchard’s only missed 2 games since his sophomore season. Over players like Colton Parayko, Thomas Harley, Travis Sanheim, and more – Bouchard brings so much more talent.
Evan Bouchard should have definitely been selected for Team Canada for this reason. He is an excellent puck handler who could come in to fill a gap like this, and he hardly gets hurt throughout his career. In fact, he’s only missed two games since his second year. Compared to players like Colton Parayko, Thomas Harley, Travis Sanheim, and others, Bouchard has way more skill.
For now, Team Canada is just hoping the injury to Morrissey isn’t serious.
Right now, Team Canada is just keeping their fingers crossed that Morrissey’s injury isn’t too serious.
With no injury replacements on the way, Canada can’t afford to lose more players to injury. Hopefully Morrissey can heal up quickly to get back into the lineup, and Canada’s blue line remains strong.
Since there are no replacements coming in, Canada really can’t afford to lose any more players. Hopefully, Morrissey recovers fast and can return to play, so Canada’s defense stays strong.
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