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Ottawa Today
By the People, for the People
Zacha Out for Team Czechia at Olympics with Upper-Body Injury
Boston Bruins forward replaced by Filip Chlapik on Czech Olympic roster
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha will not play for Team Czechia at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina due to an upper-body injury. Zacha has not played since January 29 and will be replaced on the Czech roster by forward Filip Chlapik.
Why it matters
Zacha's absence is a significant blow to Team Czechia's chances at the Olympics, as he was expected to be a key contributor. The 28-year-old has 37 points in 54 games for the Bruins this season. Chlapik, also 28, has not played in the NHL since the 2020-21 season but has been productive in the Czech Extraliga.
The details
Zacha left a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 29 with the upper-body injury. Bruins coach Marco Sturm said the injury was not serious enough to impact Zacha's ability to play at the Olympics, but he will still miss the tournament. Chlapik, a former second-round pick of the Ottawa Senators, has 45 points in 45 games for Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga this season.
- Zacha last played on January 29, 2026.
- Team Czechia opens Olympic play against Team Canada on February 12, 2026.
The players
Pavel Zacha
A 28-year-old forward for the Boston Bruins who was expected to be a key player for Team Czechia at the 2026 Olympics.
Filip Chlapik
A 28-year-old forward who was selected in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators. He is currently playing in the Czech Extraliga and will replace Zacha on the Czech Olympic roster.
What’s next
Team Czechia will open Olympic play against Team Canada on February 12, 2026.
The takeaway
Injuries can derail Olympic dreams, as evidenced by Pavel Zacha's absence from the Czech roster due to an upper-body injury. This highlights the importance of health and depth for national teams competing at the highest level of international hockey.
