Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery in late July, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team announced on Wednesday. The procedure will address an injury that has been managed throughout the season, though the team did not specify the exact nature or timeline for recovery.
Star forward to miss training camp
Poulin, 35, is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's hockey players of all time, with three Olympic gold medals and multiple World Championship titles. She led the Victoire in scoring during the 2025-26 season with 18 goals and 25 assists in 28 games, helping the team secure a playoff berth. The surgery will cause her to miss the start of training camp for the 2026-27 season, but the team expects her to return at some point during the campaign.
“Marie-Philip has been playing through discomfort for some time, and we believe this surgery is necessary for her long-term health and performance,” said Victoire general manager Danièle Sauvageau in a statement. “We are fully confident she will come back stronger, and we will support her throughout her rehabilitation.”
Impact on the Victoire
Poulin's absence will be a significant blow to the Victoire, who finished third in the PWHL standings last season before being eliminated in the semifinals by the Minnesota Frost. The team will rely on other forwards like Laura Stacey and Ann-Sophie Bettez to carry the scoring load in Poulin's absence. The Victoire also signed free-agent forward Sarah Nurse in the offseason to bolster their offensive depth.
Poulin has been the face of the franchise since the PWHL's inaugural season in 2024, serving as captain and leading the team to the league championship in 2025. Her leadership and clutch performances have made her a fan favorite in Montreal.
Recovery timeline uncertain
The team did not provide a specific recovery timeline, but similar shoulder surgeries typically require four to six months of rehabilitation. If all goes well, Poulin could return by mid-season, possibly in December or January. The Victoire open their 2026-27 season on November 28 against the Toronto Sceptres.
“We are taking every precaution to ensure Marie-Philip’s recovery is successful,” said team physician Dr. Julie Lefebvre. “She will have access to the best medical care and rehabilitation resources available.”
