Josh Morrissey Sidelined for Canada's Olympic Hockey Game Against Switzerland
Morrissey Out for Canada vs. Switzerland with Injury

Josh Morrissey Sidelined for Canada's Olympic Hockey Game Against Switzerland

Canadian defenceman Josh Morrissey will not play in Friday's game against Switzerland at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games due to a suspected injury. This continues a troubling pattern of health issues for the player over the past year.

Injury Details Remain Unclear

Morrissey was injured early in the second period of Thursday's 5-0 victory over Czechia. The exact nature of the injury is not precisely clear. He took several hits during play and subsequently left the bench after coming off the ice, though he never appeared to be in visible discomfort while on the ice.

Whatever the specific injury, it has been significant enough to keep him out of the lineup for the crucial matchup against Switzerland. He was officially scratched from the game, with Travis Sanheim stepping into the lineup to take his spot on the roster.

Coach Cooper Remains Silent on Status

Canada head coach Jon Cooper did not speak with the media before the game, so no further information about Morrissey's condition or prognosis is currently available. However, Cooper is expected to address questions about the defenceman's status following the conclusion of the Switzerland game.

Recent History of Health Setbacks

This latest injury continues what has been a difficult year for Morrissey in terms of health:

  • He missed last year's 4 Nations Face-off Final due to illness
  • During the NHL playoffs, he was injured just two minutes into Game 7 of the Winnipeg Jets' first-round series against the St. Louis Blues
  • In the subsequent round against the Dallas Stars, with the Jets facing elimination in Game 6, he was injured late in the second period

Defensive Lineup Adjustments

Against Czechia, Morrissey had been skating on the second defensive pair. After his injury, seventh defenceman Shea Theodore took over his position. For the Switzerland game, Theodore remained on the second pair alongside Colton Parayko, while Sanheim assumed the role of seventh defenceman.

The Canadian team will need to adjust their defensive strategy without one of their key players as they continue their pursuit of Olympic gold in Italy.