Morrissey Sidelined, Marchand Returns for Canada vs. France Match
In the ongoing preliminary round at Milano Cortina 2026, Canadian defenseman Josh Morrissey will not play in the upcoming match against France. This announcement was made by head coach Jon Cooper after a decisive victory over Czechia.
Morrissey’s Injury Status
Morrissey sustained an undisclosed injury during Canada’s opening match, forcing him to leave early in the second period. He had played 7:10 minutes and completed 13 shifts before his exit. The 30-year-old player has had a strong season with the Winnipeg Jets, featuring in 56 games, scoring 10 goals, and providing 32 assists.
Canada’s Performance in the Tournament
Despite Morrissey’s absence, Canada has performed exceptionally well, winning their first two matches and securing the top position in Group A. They will advance directly to the quarterfinals.
Lineup Changes
In response to Morrissey’s injury, Travis Sanheim will take his place in the lineup for the match against France. Coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Morrissey has not been completely ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, allowing for potential future participation.
Brad Marchand’s Return
On a positive note, veteran forward Brad Marchand is set to return for Canada. He was previously scratched during the game against Switzerland. Marchand previously contributed positively in Canada’s opening victory, with one assist and a plus-1 rating.
- Marchand’s Season Stats: 25 goals and 25 assists in 46 games with the Florida Panthers.
- Notable Achievement: Member of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February.
As the team adjusts its roster, Cooper has yet to specify who will be dropped to accommodate Marchand’s return. The upcoming match against France will be crucial as Canada looks to maintain their winning momentum.
