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5d ago

IIHF Rules Out Pavel Zacha for Olympics as Czechia Calls Up Filip Chlapik

The late change trims Czechia’s center depth as it approaches Group A games in Milano Cortina.

Jan 11, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (18) skates with the puck during the third period of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The IIHF confirmed on Feb. 7 that Boston’s Pavel Zacha will miss the 2026 Games because of injury, with HC Sparta Praha captain Filip Chlapik named to replace him.
  • Zacha was hurt on Jan. 29 against Philadelphia and also missed the Winter Classic, though reports differ on whether the issue is upper- or lower-body.
  • Zacha has 15 goals and 22 assists in 54 NHL games this season, making his absence notable for both Team Czechia and a Bruins lineup returning to action on Feb. 26.
  • Chlapik, a 2015 second-round pick by Ottawa with 57 NHL games, has produced 19 goals and 26 assists in 45 Extraliga games this season.
  • Czechia is in Group A with Canada, Switzerland and France, opening the preliminary round against Canada on Feb. 12.