Jets’ Morrissey among Manitobans joining Team Canada

Josh Morrissey is getting another opportunity to represent his country.

Only this time, it will be on the grandest stage.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman was among the 25 players unveiled by Hockey Canada on Wednesday morning at a press conference in Minnesota held to officially name the men’s Olympic team that will compete in Italy in February.

Morrissey was a stalwart blue-liner for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, though he was unable to suit up in the gold medal game owing to a nasty flu virus.

The Calgary product is having another outstanding season, chipping in six goals and 30 points in 37 games going into Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings — which is the 700th of his NHL career.

Morrissey is currently tied with Quinn Hughes for sixth among NHL D-men in points and he continues to supply sound defensive play while averaging more than 24 minutes of ice time per game.

A Norris Trophy candidate in each of the past three seasons, including this one, Morrissey is someone who figures to play a prominent role, whether it’s being reunited with Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues or skating alongside Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights.

“Josh is a player we obviously know very well from being in the (Central) Division. His game is getting stronger every year,” Winter Olympic Games 2026 general manager Doug Armstrong said on a Zoom call, when asked by the Free Press. “What he went through at the 4 Nations and the pain he was in not being able to participate in that final game showed his love of country and his passion for the game.

“I just think he’s a heck of a hockey player.”

There is also some strong Manitoba flavour on this edition of Team Canada: Winnipegger Mark Stone and Elkhorn product Travis Sanheim were all named to the team.

Jets centre Mark Scheifele was not among the 14 forwards listed, though he is believed to be under consideration as an injury replacement should one be required.

Armstrong was asked about Scheifele during the press conference in Minnesota, but he told reporters he wasn’t going to discuss players who weren’t named to the team or the reasons why they weren’t chosen.

What that means for the Jets will be interesting to monitor.

Scheifele enters Monday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings tied for 10th in NHL scoring — and he’s tied for fourth among Canadians with 18 goals and 45 points in 37 games.

There’s little doubt that Scheifele won’t feel some disappointment about the decision, but when he was overlooked last December, he responded by going on a tear, racking up nine goals and 17 points in 13 games after the 4 Nations Face-Off roster was announced.

During the calendar year, Scheifele produced 35 goals and 88 points, so you can see why he was one of the players in the mix for the final two spots on this roster.

Sanheim is a smooth-skating blue-liner and has the ability to play either the left or right side as a left-handed shooting D-man.

The Philadelphia Flyers defenceman has three goals and 17 points in 38 games and his mobility and ability to defend are key attributes for him.

After the news was made public, Sanheim told reporters on a Zoom call that the well-wishes have been pouring in from his town of roughly 500 people.

“They’re super proud and supportive,” Sanheim told reporters. “I’ve already received over 100 text messages that I haven’t quite caught up on. Very proud to come from a community like that. I’m sure that when the games are on, they’ll be watching every second and the town will be (wearing) red and white.”

Stone is also among the players returning after helping Canada win gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Despite missing some time due to injury, Stone has 10 goals and 31 points in 22 games this season.

He’s a strong two-way player and his elite vision and passing ability gives him the versatility to play anywhere in the lineup and make a contribution.

His Stanley Cup pedigree and ability to deliver in clutch situations was also a consideration in Stone getting another chance to suit up for Canada.

There’s also a local connection when it comes to goaltending: former Brandon Wheat Kings netminder Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals was named to the team along with Jordan Binnington and Darcy Kuemper.

Winnipegger Seth Jarvis being one of five players on the 4 Nations Face-Off roster to be left on the Olympic team was a surprise, given the fact he’s eclipsed 30 goals in each of his first two NHL seasons and already has 19 goals and 29 points in 34 games this season.

Jarvis is also sound defensively and plays with tenacity, but he’s recently been sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Another notable omission is Strathclair’s Morgan Geekie, a high-scoring forward who has 25 goals and 40 points in 40 games this season with the Boston Bruins.

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