Bruins' Zacha Forced to Withdraw from Olympics Due to Injury

Disappointment evident as center missed chance to compete for Team Czechia

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha was forced to withdraw from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina due to an injury sustained late in the NHL season. Zacha had been looking forward to representing Team Czechia at the games, but the timeline of his recovery did not allow him to compete. The decision was made mutually between Zacha, the Bruins, and the Czech Hockey Federation.

Why it matters

Zacha's absence from the Olympics was a major disappointment, as he had been excited for the opportunity to play on the international stage. The injury and withdrawal highlighted the challenges athletes face in balancing their NHL commitments with national team duties during the Olympic break.

The details

Zacha suffered the injury in the final few games before the Olympic break. He initially thought he would still be able to compete, but the recovery process stagnated, and it became clear he would not be able to play at 100% for Team Czechia. The decision for Zacha to withdraw was made jointly by the player, the Bruins, and the Czech Hockey Federation.

  • Zacha suffered the injury on January 29.
  • Zacha was forced to withdraw from the Olympics in the days leading up to the games.

The players

Pavel Zacha

A 28-year-old center for the Boston Bruins who was set to represent Team Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics before being forced to withdraw due to injury.

Marco Sturm

The head coach of the Boston Bruins, who commented on Zacha's injury and withdrawal from the Olympics.

David Pastrnak

Zacha's Bruins teammate who was also set to compete for Team Czechia at the Olympics.

Elias Lindholm

A Swedish center who, like Zacha, suffered an injury that put his Olympic participation in jeopardy.

Team Czechia

The national ice hockey team of the Czech Republic that Zacha was set to represent at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was really frustrating. Two things you are really looking forward to was the outdoor game and the Olympics, especially in the middle of the season. Making the decision of not going was really hard. It makes it even harder to watch the games knowing that I'm not over there and can't experience it.”

— Pavel Zacha (bostonsportsjournal.com)

“In the long run, having some time off is going to be good for our [Bruins] season. I am trying to look at in a positive light. The first couple of days it was tough to think about this positively at all, but on the other hand, for the team, it's going to be good for me to have some rest.”

— Pavel Zacha (bostonsportsjournal.com)

“Pav just couldn't so it's very unfortunate. I know he was very bummed. You only have those opportunities once in a while. So we feel for him, but I think he's just happy he's here right now and that he's feeling better.”

— Marco Sturm, Head Coach, Boston Bruins (bostonsportsjournal.com)

What’s next

Zacha will continue his recovery and aim to return to the Bruins lineup when the NHL season resumes after the Olympic break.

The takeaway

Zacha's Olympic disappointment highlights the challenges NHL players face in balancing their club commitments with national team duties during the Winter Games. While the injury was a setback, the extra rest could benefit Zacha and the Bruins in the long run as they push for a deep playoff run.