Czech Defenseman Jan Rutta Injured at Olympics

GM Šlégr provides update on Rutta's status ahead of next game

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Czech Republic men's hockey team suffered an early setback at the 2026 Winter Olympics as defenseman Jan Rutta was forced to leave their opening game against Canada due to an upper-body injury sustained during a hard hit from Canadian star Nathan MacKinnon. According to Czech GM Jiří Šlégr, Rutta will not play in the team's next game against France as he is under the care of the national team's medical staff.

Why it matters

Rutta's injury is a significant blow to the Czech team, as he is a key part of their defensive corps. His absence could impact the team's performance and chances of success at the Olympics. The injury also raises questions about the physical toll of the tournament on players.

The details

Rutta left the game against Canada in a bent-over position, visibly in pain. Tomáš Kundrátek replaced him in the lineup, stepping in as the seventh defenseman. The Czech coaching staff is also considering changes to the forward lines, with Filip Chlapík or Jakub Flek potentially replacing David Tomášek.

  • Rutta's injury occurred during the Czech Republic's opening game against Canada on February 13, 2026.
  • Rutta will not play in the team's game against France on February 14, 2026.

The players

Jan Rutta

A defenseman on the Czech Republic men's hockey team who was forced to leave the team's opening game against Canada due to an upper-body injury.

Jiří Šlégr

The General Manager of the Czech Republic men's hockey team, who provided an update on Rutta's injury status.

Tomáš Kundrátek

A defenseman who replaced Rutta in the lineup after his injury.

Jiří Ticháček

A defenseman who may make his Olympic debut in Rutta's absence.

Nathan MacKinnon

A Canadian hockey star who delivered the hit that resulted in Rutta's injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jan Rutta suffered an injury in the upper body during the game against Canada, which forced him to prematurely end the duel. He is currently under the care of the national team's physiotherapists and doctors. He will not play in today's game against France.”

— Jiří Šlégr, General Manager, Czech Republic men's hockey team (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Czech coaching staff is considering potential lineup changes, including inserting Jiří Ticháček into the defensive rotation and making adjustments to the forward lines, as they prepare to face France without the injured Jan Rutta.

The takeaway

Rutta's injury is a significant setback for the Czech Republic team, as he is a key part of their defensive corps. His absence could impact the team's performance and chances of success at the Olympics, highlighting the physical toll the tournament can take on players.