Canada vs France: Morrissey Out, Marchand Returns for Crucial Matchup

Canada vs France: Key Lineup Changes Ahead of Sunday’s Game

Published: February 13, 2026 at 9:41PM EST

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey will unfortunately remain sidelined for Canada’s preliminary round finale against France on Sunday. Head coach Jon Cooper announced the news following Friday’s game, but clarified that Morrissey hasn’t been ruled out for the entire tournament. This is a significant development as Canada prepares for a potentially challenging matchup.

Morrissey’s Injury and Impact

Morrissey was forced to leave Thursday’s dominant 5-0 victory over Czechia early in the second period after just 7:10 of ice time across 13 shifts. The nature of his injury remains undisclosed. Travis Sanheim stepped in to fill his spot in the lineup for Canada’s subsequent game against Switzerland.

Despite the setback, Canada has already secured first place in Group A thanks to wins in their opening two contests, guaranteeing them direct advancement to the quarterfinals. This provides some breathing room regarding Morrissey’s recovery timeline.

Marchand Returns to Boost Canada’s Offense

In brighter news for Canada, veteran forward Brad Marchand will return to the lineup against France. Cooper confirmed that Marchand, who was a healthy scratch for the game against Switzerland, will draw back in. This adds a significant offensive threat to the Canadian roster.

Seth Jarvis, who replaced Marchand against Czechia, will likely be the player to make way for the Florida Panthers forward. Marchand made an immediate impact in Canada’s tournament opener, recording an assist and a +1 rating.

Morrissey’s Season and Past Success

The 30-year-old Morrissey has been a key contributor for the Jets this season, amassing 10 goals and 32 assists in 56 games. He was also a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, although he missed the final due to illness.

Looking Ahead: Canada’s Tournament Prospects

While Morrissey’s absence is a concern, Canada’s strong start to the tournament and the return of Marchand position them well for a deep run. The team will be looking to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their game before the quarterfinals. You can find more information about the tournament at IIHF.