Czechia lose Pavel Zacha to injury for Milan Cortina Olympics

Czechia has suffered a significant setback ahead of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha will miss the tournament due to an upper-body injury sustained earlier this month. The 28-year-old forward, a key part of the Czech roster, left the Bruins’ 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on January 30 and has not returned. ESPN NHL

The Czech Ice Hockey Association announced the news on Saturday, February 7, after receiving confirmation from Bruins general manager Don Sweeney the previous evening. The roster change has been approved by the International Olympic Committee, allowing Filip Chlapík from Sparta Prague to step in as replacement. This comes at a challenging time for Czechia, who open their Olympic campaign against powerhouse Canada on February 12. ESPN

Understanding Zacha’s injury

Pavel Zacha exited the Bruins’ game against the Flyers in the second period on January 29 or 30, depending on reports. The exact nature of the upper-body injury remains undisclosed, but it has proven severe enough to sideline him for the Olympics. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm initially downplayed its severity, but medical evaluations confirmed Zacha would not recover in time. NHL

Zacha has been day-to-day since the injury, missing multiple games for Boston. His absence extends beyond club play into international duty, highlighting the tight timeline between the NHL schedule and the Olympics. The Bruins, currently in playoff contention, will also feel the impact, though they have depth at center.

This marks a disappointing Olympic debut denial for Zacha, who was named to Czechia’s roster in January alongside stars like David Pastrňák. At 28, he was poised for a major role in Milano Cortina. Injuries have plagued NHL players heading into the Games, but Zacha’s case underscores the risks of the compressed schedule.

Recovery timelines for upper-body injuries vary, often involving shoulders or upper extremities. Zacha’s history shows resilience; he has battled nagging issues before but bounced back strongly. Boston’s medical staff prioritizes long-term health, likely influencing the Olympic decision.

The timing amplifies the blow—less than two weeks before puck drop. Czechia now adjusts lines and strategies without one of their most reliable two-way centers.

Filip Chlapík: The replacement profile

Filip Chlapík, 28, brings solid domestic form to fill Zacha’s spot. Playing for Sparta Prague in the Czech Extraliga, he has tallied 19 goals and 26 assists in 45 games this season, leading his team in scoring. NHL Other reports note 18 goals and 24 assists in 42 outings, confirming his offensive prowess. EliteProspects

Drafted 48th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2015, Chlapík appeared in 57 NHL games, posting five goals and six assists. He transitioned to Europe after stints in the AHL with Belleville, where he once led in points. Now in his third season with Sparta, he captains the line with physicality and skill.

Chlapík’s international experience includes World Championships, making him no stranger to high-stakes play. At 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, he offers size and shot-blocking ability that Zacha also provides. His plus-minus rating reflects strong defensive play.

Sparta Prague sits atop the Extraliga standings, thanks in part to Chlapík’s contributions. Transitioning to Olympic ice against NHL stars will test him, but his form suggests readiness.

Czech coaches value his versatility—capable on power play and penalty kill. This call-up rewards a breakout campaign.

Pavel Zacha’s season and Bruins impact

Zacha has been a steady producer for Boston in 2025-26, notching 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points in 54 games. His 17:09 average time on ice includes key defensive zone starts and power-play minutes. ESPN Five power-play goals highlight his special-teams value.

Since joining the Bruins in 2022, Zacha has evolved into a top-six center, amassing 379 points in 682 games lifetime with Boston. His two-way game—three game-winners this year—makes him indispensable.

Boston’s recent form dipped without him, underscoring his role in faceoffs and forechecking. GM Don Sweeney’s notification to Czechia reflects club priorities.

Zacha’s chemistry with linemates like Pastrňák at Olympics was anticipated. Now, Czechia reshuffles.

Zacha’s 2025-26 Bruins stats:

His absence tests Bruins depth amid a tight Eastern Conference race.

Czechia’s Olympic roster and prospects

Czechia’s roster blends NHL stars and domestic talent. Forwards include David Pastrňák (Bruins), Martin Nečas (Hurricanes), and Tomáš Hertl (Sharks), providing firepower. NHL

Defensemen like Roman Červenka and goaltenders Lukáš Dostál bolster the blue line. The group medaled at past Worlds, aiming for gold in Milano Cortina.

Key Czechia forwards:

• David Pastrňák (Boston Bruins)
• Martin Nečas (Carolina Hurricanes)
• Tomáš Hertl (San Jose Sharks)
• Filip Chlapík (Sparta Prague) – new addition

Zacha’s loss hurts center depth, but adjustments are possible. Facing Canada first demands strong starts.

Historical context: Czechia won gold in 1998 Nagano with NHLers. 2026 revives that era.

Full Czechia roster details on Olympics.com.

Czechia eyes a deep run, leveraging experience against favorites like Canada and Sweden.

Zacha’s injury is a hurdle, but Chlapík’s inclusion maintains balance. As Czechia prepares for February 12, focus shifts to unity and execution. A strong opener against Canada could propel them forward, proving depth conquers adversity. Fans await if this reshuffle sparks or stalls their medal hopes—for more on the tournament, check ESPN’s Olympics coverage.