Flyers’ Rodrigo Abols to miss 2026 Olympics with Latvia

Ābols, 30, played just two shifts in the first period of Saturday’s game before colliding with Rangers forward Gabe Perreault. Ābols fell awkwardly to the ice along the boards in the Flyers’ offensive zone and appeared to be favoring his right leg as he was helped off the ice.

The Flyers have not officially announced Abols’ long-term injury status.

In 42 games with the Flyers this season, Ābols has collected three goals and 10 points. The 6-foot-4 forward is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and currently holds a $800,000 NHL cap hit.

Ābols has been a fixture with the Latvian national team throughout his career. He previously played in the 2022 Winter Olympics, and has represented his country internationally in some capacity every year since 2013. Most notably, Ābols had a personal best of five goals and seven points en route to Latvia’s first-ever bronze medal at the 2023 World Championship.

Ābols will be replaced by veteran forward Rihards Bukarts. The 30-year-old is set for his second Olympics after also representing his nation at the 2022 Winter Games. Like Ābols, he had a breakthrough 2023 World Championship, registering 11 points in 10 games. His game has slowed down in recent years, and he himself has dealt with injury issues. But he’s playing some solid hockey in the Slovak pro league this year, where he currently has nine points in nine games.

Notably, Bukarts’ older brother, Roberts, will make his Olympic debut next month.

Lativa will open the tournament on Feb. 12 against the United States at 3:10 PM ET.