On the final day of 2025 we learned that Jets top centre Mark Scheifele would not be a member of the Canadian hockey Olympics team heading to Italy next month.
Despite his being on pace for a career season and producing more than a number of the players who were selected ahead of him for Team Canada, he was left off the team just like he had been left off the 4 Nations Tournament team last February.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
After the loss to the Leafs in his home province on New Year’s Day he was asked by Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press about finding out he was left off the team:
“It sucked. Pretty dark day. It’s hard to think about now, after kinda turning the page to this morning. Obviously it was a tough day, news that you don’t want. But just shows the amount of talent in Canada. So many great hockey players, so many great guys. It’s an honour to be a part of this country, just ’cause there are so many great hockey players. Obviously wish I was picked, but God’s got a plan and just got to trust it.”
With lots of time between the naming of the Olympic team and games actually being played there is obviously the possibility that a player or two could be injured which would necessitate a replacement player.
Team Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong was asked about there being a list of replacement players which he confirmed. He added this:
“We’ve asked the players if they want to stay on that list. Part of the requirement to be on that list is that you have to continue with the testing that the Olympic Committee does,” Armstrong said. “And to a man, that I’ve talked to, they’ve said they want to stay on the list.”
Scheifele was asked if he will be staying in protocol.
“Yeah. I don’t know what it’s called, but yes, sure.”
Finally, Scheifele was asked if there was anything else he could have done to state his case:
“I don’t know what else I could have done. I’m proud of the way all season to now. I think I’m probably playing the best hockey I’ve ever played in my career. That’s all you’ve gotta do, is just trust in God’s plan and know that there’s a reason for everything.”
While his Olympic hopes took a hit, there remains a chance that Scheifele could still represent the Maple Leaf in Italy this February.
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