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Hockey Canada GM Explains Brad Marchand Snub on Initial Olympic Roster

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 8:12 AM ET

Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand’s name wasn’t among the first six players named to Team Canada’s Olympic roster on Monday.

The first Canadian squad includes Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Point, Cale Makar, and Marchand's teammate Sam Reinhart.

General manager Doug Armstrong addressed the decision directly, calling it one of the toughest choices in the early selection process, although leaving the door open for his eventual addition.

The 37-year-old winger was part of the original First Six projected during last year’s 4 Nations lead-up, but fellow Panthers forward Reinhart ultimately took the one “open” slot over the older Marchand.

Team Canada reveals Olympic men’s hockey First 6: Behind the Sam Reinhart pick, other roster decisions. Chatted with GM Doug Armstrong as well as with Reinhart. My latest for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️ https://t.co/ZSCBisaDDm
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 16, 2025

Armstrong made it clear that Marchand wasn’t cut due to a lack of performance, especially noting his strong playoff showing this spring, as he's scored 20 points in 22 postseason games through Monday's announcement.

“I had a good chat with Brad,” Armstrong said. “He’s certainly a candidate to make this team. What he did for our team at the 4 Nations — the character and the ability to bring the team together — plus what he’s done in the playoffs here, it’s very inspiring.”

Armstrong said age and physical shape factored into the choice.

Reinhart’s combination of consistency, two-way play, and postseason pedigree pushed him over Marchand and other possible options.

“What we saw at the 4 Nations: Sam is just a well-balanced player who can touch every aspect of our team,” Armstrong said. “There was no question he was going to be on our team. He was just a natural selection now based on his play and his history of great play in big events.”

Reinhart, who finished the regular season with 81 points in 79 games, has scored 11 points in 14 postseason outings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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