Czechia will be without forward Pavel Zacha at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina due to an injury, the Czech Ice Hockey Association confirmed. The 28-year-old center, who plays professionally for the Boston Bruins of the NHL, has been ruled out of the Olympic tournament as he continues to recover from an undisclosed injury.
Zacha’s absence is a setback for the Czech national team, which had anticipated his participation among its top NHL contributors. A versatile center with a solid two-way game, Zacha has played a key role for the Bruins and was expected to strengthen Czechia’s forward depth on the international stage.
This development comes as national teams around the world finalize their rosters for the Olympic tournament, which is scheduled to begin later this month. NHL players are set to participate in the Games for the first time since 2014, following agreements between the NHL, NHLPA, IIHF, and IOC to allow their involvement in 2026.
While the specifics of Zacha’s injury have not been made public, the Bruins have confirmed that his recovery timeline extends beyond the Olympic period, making him unavailable for selection. The Czech Ice Hockey Association has expressed its disappointment about his absence but remains confident in the depth and talent of its Olympic roster.
Zacha, originally from Brno, has been a steady contributor in the NHL since being drafted sixth overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2015. He was traded to the Bruins in 2022 and has since signed a contract extension with the team. His performance with Boston this season had made him a likely choice for the Czechia lineup, potentially in a top-six role.
Czechia last medaled at the Olympics in 2006, earning bronze, and won gold in 1998 during the Nagano Games. The team faces a competitive field in Milan-Cortina, including strong squads from Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden.
