Listen to this article
Estimated 5 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
As the men’s ice hockey competition at the Milan Olympics approaches, with under three weeks remaining, numerous leading teams are grappling with notable player fitness concerns.
A key uncertainty appeared resolved on Friday when Canadian player Bo Horvat rejoined practice, having been absent from 14 of the New York Islanders’ previous 18 matches. Horvat, recovering from a lower-body ailment, had been out for nine consecutive games, yet throughout his recovery, he was expected to be fully fit by February.
“There’s always a slight— not exactly doubt— but it lingers in your thoughts, hoping it’s not severe,” Horvat remarked. “We were aware it wasn’t overly serious, and that I’d be fit and prepared to return for the Olympic Games. I felt quite assured about that.”
From the season’s outset until the Dec. 31 roster cutoff, Horvat maintained an almost point-per-game scoring rate, securing one of the last forward positions. The 30-year-old offensive center stands among a select group of chosen athletes who did not participate in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, and Hockey Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong, received regular updates on his condition over recent weeks.
“[Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche] has been communicating with Doug and his team, providing ongoing updates,” Horvat stated. “That’s everything you could wish for. I had hoped to return as quickly as possible and play a few games before the intermission, then head to Milan. I’m pleased to be back at such an opportune moment, to play some matches, and be prepared.”
Similar to Horvat, netminder Darcy Kuemper recovered from an injury concern considerably earlier than when his participation might have become uncertain.
Canada’s Uncertainty Regarding Brayden Point
Forward Brayden Point, who was among the initial six players chosen by Canada for the Olympic squad, has been inactive for the Tampa Bay Lightning ever since his right leg sustained an unusual bend during a match in Philadelphia on January 12.
Jon Cooper, serving as both the Lightning’s and Canada’s coach, informed journalists in Pittsburgh the next day regarding Point that they “averted the most dire outcome, given his season is not concluded.”
Point’s condition is being evaluated on a weekly basis, and the two-time Stanley Cup winner’s participation might remain undecided until the very last moment. Private flights are scheduled to depart from New York on February 7, and changes to the 25-player lineup are permissible until February 11, the date of the inaugural game.
Should Point be unable to compete, Sam Bennett, Wyatt Johnston, and Connor Bedard are anticipated to be among the primary candidates for a replacement.
United States Loses Seth Jones
Seth Jones, instrumental in Florida’s Stanley Cup victory last season following his acquisition prior to the trade deadline, was earlier this week the inaugural injured athlete to be substituted on an Olympic roster, as USA Hockey declared Jackson LaCombe would fill his spot.
“An exceptionally dynamic, engaged defenseman, constantly joining the attack,” remarked forward Tage Thompson, who competed alongside LaCombe at last year’s world championships, where the U.S. claimed victory for the first time since 1933. “Possessing an excellent shot and outstanding ice vision. He’s simply a graceful skater, and I believe his extensive hockey intelligence makes the game notably effortless for him as well.”
LaCombe and Thompson are included among the five individuals from that victorious squad who are bound for Milan, accompanied by Zach Werenski, Clayton Keller, and Jeremy Swayman.
“Our team had remarkable synergy and performed exceptionally well there,” Thompson commented following the Buffalo Sabres’ practice on Friday. “Naturally, we triumphed, and it was thoroughly enjoyable, so it’s pleasant to embark on this fresh prospect and adventure with some well-known teammates.”
Sweden Faces Shortage Without Carlsson, Brodin
Leo Carlsson was slated to be Sweden’s primary center, and Jonas Brodin was expected to fulfill a significant defensive role. However, both have been excluded from the Olympic Games due to prolonged injuries. The Minnesota Wild announced on Thursday that Brodin had surgery for a persistent ailment.
Another defenseman, Victor Hedman, is recuperating from elbow surgery performed in mid-December. The Lightning had previously indicated that their captain was anticipated to return to play for Sweden in the Olympics.
Uncertainties continue regarding the participation of Gabriel Landeskog, sidelined since an injury on January 4, as well as fellow attacker William Nylander and defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Colorado reported Landeskog has an upper-body injury, indicating it’s not the recurrent knee issue that kept him out for two complete seasons before his playoff comeback last spring.
