Bo Horvat's return to practice ahead of Milan boosts Canada's scoring depth and makes Canada team-total and Horvat player-prop bets more attractive; Brayden Point's week-to-week status suggests bettors should monitor late scratches and consider backups like Bedard or Bennett if Point misses.
Olympic hockey rosters shaken by late injuries and timely returns
Canada received a lift as Bo Horvat returned to practice after missing much of the Islanders’ recent slate due to a lower-body injury. Horvat had been sidelined for 14 of New York’s past 18 games but was on track to be ready for the Feb. 11 Olympic opener. His near point-per-game form earlier in the season helped secure one of Canada’s final forward spots.
Canada: Horvat healthy, Point a concern
Horvat’s comeback provides a scoring stabilizer for Canada and reassurance to management that depth up front remains intact. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper also cleared a recent injury scare and is back in the mix. By contrast, Brayden Point remains week-to-week after a right-leg injury suffered Jan. 12.
With charter flights scheduled Feb. 7 and replacement options allowed until the first game, Canada is weighing potential substitutes — names like Sam Bennett, Wyatt Johnston and Connor Bedard are frequently mentioned as likely call-ups if Point cannot travel.
United States makes an early roster change
The U.S. has already been forced into a change when Seth Jones, a key defenseman, was ruled out and replaced by Jackson LaCombe. LaCombe brings mobility, an accurate shot and strong game sense — attributes teammates say made him an easy fit from last year’s world championship roster.
Several players from that winning group, including Tage Thompson, Zach Werenski, Clayton Keller and Jeremy Swayman, provide continuity for the Americans heading into Milan.
Sweden coping with long-term absences
Sweden faces significant losses with center Leo Carlsson and defenseman Jonas Brodin both ruled out of the Olympics due to long-term injuries; Brodin recently underwent surgery. Victor Hedman is recovering from elbow surgery and had been expected back in time to play. Questions also hover over Gabriel Landeskog (upper-body injury), William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson as Sweden tries to patch its top-six and defensive pairings before departure.
What this means for tournament outlooks
Late injuries and returns are forcing teams to adjust lineups and strategies in the final weeks before Milan. Canada’s regained depth up front and returning netminder stability strengthen its offensive profile, while the U.S. will hope LaCombe’s insertion keeps its transition play intact. Sweden’s absences on both forward and blue-line fronts could blunt its depth and veteran stability, potentially opening the standings for other medal contenders.
Betting implications
Injury updates will move markets: Horvat’s return likely shortens Canada-related lines for team totals and player props, while Point’s uncertain status introduces volatility and value on alternate props or replacement-player markets.
The U.S. losing Seth Jones may nudge totals downward in certain matchups, and Sweden’s roster gaps could make them less attractive in futures markets compared with pre-injury odds.
Roster deadlines and next steps
Teams can make roster replacements up until their first Olympic game, so expect final decisions to come down to the wire as medical updates arrive and players get final game reps. Bettors and fans should track official availability announcements in the days leading to Feb. 7 charter departures and the Feb. 11 opening puck drop.
With less than three weeks to go before the start of the men's hockey tournament at the Olympics in Milan, several of the top contenders have significant injury questions.
Canada should have Bo Horvat after the scoring center missed 14 of the New York Islanders' past 18 games. Potential top-liner Brayden Point's status may go down to the wire after his right leg bent awkwardly earlier this month.
tThe U.S. already had to make one roster replacement after learning Seth Jones won't be good to go. Sweden will be without Jonas Brodin and Leo Carlsson and is still hoping to have Victor Hedman, Gabriel Landeskog and others who are banged up.
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