Here’s a bold statement: Team Canada’s Olympic hockey roster is about to get even stronger, and it could be a game-changer in the quarterfinals. But here’s where it gets controversial—key players Brad Marchand and Josh Morrissey, who’ve been sidelined for the past two games, are now ready to return to the ice. Does this mean Canada’s lineup is unstoppable, or could their reintegration disrupt the team’s rhythm? Let’s dive in.
As the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 heat up, Team Canada is poised to enter the quarterfinals with a fully healthy 25-player roster. On Wednesday, they’ll face either Team Czechia or Team Denmark at Santagiulia Arena, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of Tuesday’s qualification round between Czechia and Denmark will advance to challenge the top-seeded Canadians (10:40 a.m. ET; Peacock, USA, CBC Gem, CBC, TSN).
And this is the part most people miss—while Canada’s depth has been on full display, the return of Marchand and Morrissey adds a layer of strategic complexity. Both players practiced without restrictions, with Morrissey telling TSN and Sportsnet, ‘Just taking it day by day. Had a good practice here. Just trying to get ready for the rest of the tournament the best I can.’ Coach Jon Cooper confirmed Marchand is a lock to play, but Morrissey’s status remains slightly uncertain due to an undisclosed injury. ‘That was a big thing for him to get out here today,’ Cooper said. ‘In my opinion, he looked great, but after I talk to him, we’ll see.’
Marchand’s absence in the preliminary games against Switzerland and France was a precautionary measure, he explained. ‘Sometimes you’ve got to take care of the body, see the big picture, and make sure you’re ready for the important times,’ he said. It’s a calculated move, but one that raises questions: Is resting star players in the group stage a smart strategy, or does it risk losing momentum?
Canada’s practice lines remained consistent with their first three games. Connor McDavid centered Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson, while Sidney Crosby anchored Mark Stone and Mitch Marner. Nick Suzuki stepped into the middle of the third line in Nathan MacKinnon’s absence, but MacKinnon is expected to reclaim his spot for Wednesday’s game. Marchand slotted into the fourth line alongside Bo Horvat and Seth Jarvis.
On defense, Morrissey reunited with Colton Parayko, his partner before his injury. Devon Toews and Cale Makar stayed paired, while Thomas Harley teamed with Drew Doughty, and Travis Sanheim joined Shea Theodore. Jordan Binnington is the likely starter in goal, though the backup and scratches remain unclear.
Here’s the controversial question: With Canada’s roster already firing on all cylinders, does adding Marchand and Morrissey elevate the team to an unbeatable level, or could their return introduce unnecessary variables? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As Horvat aptly put it, ‘These are the games that matter. It’s a do-or-die situation, and we need to be at our best.’ Will Canada’s full-strength lineup be enough to secure Olympic gold? Only time will tell.
