Brayden Point ruled out of Olympics, Canada selects Seth Jarvis as replacement

The Carolina Hurricanes forward was considered to be one of the biggest snubs off of the initial roster announcement, especially considering the rib injury he was healing from was not a factor in the decision. When he hasn’t been injured, he has continued to take major steps in his game with 43 points in 48 games.

Jarvis was also on Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he had one assist in three games. This will be the third time in his career that he’s represented Canada, also doing so for the Canada Red U17 team at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2018-19.

Point has been out of action for the Tampa Bay Lightning with a lower-body injury since January 12. Point took part in the Lightning’s optional skate on Thursday morning, and head coach Jon Cooper told reporters that a final decision on Point’s status for the Olympics would come later.

A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Point has 30 points in 37 games played with Tampa Bay this season.

The Canadians are looking to continue their dominance in international best-on-best competition after claiming the championship at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year along with gold medals at the two most recent Olympic tournaments with NHL participation in 2010 and 2014.

Team Canada is in Group A for the tournament along with Czechia, Switzerland and France. Canada’s schedule for the tournament is as follows:

• Thursday, Feb. 12 – Czechia vs. Canada, 10:40 AM EST
• Friday, Feb. 13 – Canada vs. Switzerland, 3:10 PM EST
• Sunday, Feb. 15 – Canada vs. France, 10:40 AM EST
• Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Qualification Playoff, Time TBD

If Team Canada continues to advance, it will play in the quarterfinal on Wednesday, Feb. 18 and in the semifinal on Friday, Feb. 20. The bronze medal game is slated for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:40 PM EST with the gold medal game on Sunday at 8:10 AM EST.