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With the men’s hockey tournament at the Milan Olympics less than three weeks away, teams are grappling with crucial injury concerns. An encouraging sign for Canada emerged on Friday, as forward Bo Horvat returned to practice after an extended absence due to a lower-body injury. The New York Islanders star had missed 14 of his team’s last 18 games but appeared on track to recover in time for the Olympic competition, boosting Canada’s chances on the international stage.
Horvat’s Comeback and Olympic Aspirations
Bo Horvat’s absence from the ice has been keenly felt by both the Islanders and Team Canada. The 30-year-old scoring centre had been sidelined for nine consecutive games, but his return to practice offers a glimmer of hope. Horvat expressed relief about his recovery, stating, “There’s always that little — not doubt — but it’s in your mind, right, that hopefully it’s not too bad. We knew that it wasn’t too serious, that I’ll be good to go and ready to get back for the Olympics. I was pretty confident in that.”
Before his injury, Horvat was performing at a near point-per-game pace, a crucial factor that contributed to his selection for the Olympic roster. Hockey Canada general manager Doug Armstrong remained informed about Horvat’s health, with Islanders GM Mathieu Darche providing regular updates. Horvat is eager to regain his form in time for the tournament, saying, “I was hoping to be back as soon as possible and get some games in before the break and to go over to Milan. I’m happy to be back in this good a time.”
The Uncertain Fate of Brayden Point
While Horvat’s return is a positive development, questions linger about the status of Brayden Point. The talented playmaker has been absent from the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup since suffering a concerning leg injury during a match against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 12. Lightning coach Jon Cooper provided some reassurance, noting that the team had “avoided the worst-case scenario” and that Point’s season was not over. However, he is currently classified as week-to-week, leaving his participation in the Olympics in jeopardy.
Should Point be unable to compete, Canada has several viable alternatives lined up, including Sam Bennett, Wyatt Johnston, and the highly touted Connor Bedard. The window for roster changes remains open until the first game on February 11, with charter flights departing New York on February 7.
U.S. Faces Early Setbacks with Seth Jones’ Injury
The United States has already encountered its first injury setback, losing defenceman Seth Jones, who played a vital role in Florida’s Stanley Cup success last season. With Jones unable to participate, USA Hockey has announced Jackson LaCombe as his replacement. LaCombe, who previously played with forward Tage Thompson during the U.S. team’s victory at the world championships last year, brings a wealth of skill to the blue line. Thompson praised LaCombe’s abilities, stating, “A very fluid, active defenceman, always in the rush. Great shot and sees the ice really well. He’s just a smooth skater.”
Alongside LaCombe, Thompson joins a core group of five players continuing from the championship-winning team, alongside Zach Werenski, Clayton Keller, and Jeremy Swayman. As Thompson noted, “We had such great chemistry and such a good team over there… it’s nice to be going through this new opportunity and experience with some familiar faces.”
Sweden’s Injury Woes
Sweden is also facing significant challenges, having lost key players Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin to long-term injuries. Carlsson, expected to be the top centre for the team, has been ruled out, while Brodin underwent surgery for a lingering issue. This loss is compounded by Victor Hedman’s recovery from elbow surgery, raising further questions about Sweden’s defensive capabilities. The availability of Gabriel Landeskog, along with forwards William Nylander and defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, remains uncertain as well, with Landeskog suffering an upper-body injury.
Why it Matters
The proximity of the Olympic Games intensifies the urgency surrounding these injuries, as teams scramble to finalise their rosters and prepare for competition. The ability of players like Bo Horvat to return to form can significantly influence Canada’s prospects for success. Conversely, the loss of key players for other nations, such as Point for Canada and Jones for the U.S., could drastically alter the competitive landscape. As the countdown to the tournament continues, each update on player health carries substantial weight, shaping the strategies and expectations of teams aiming for Olympic glory.
