Travis Sanheim a Healthy Scratch for Team Canada’s Olympic Opener, But His Tournament Is Far From Over
Travis Sanheim may be the most recognizable Flyer headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, but his Olympic debut will have to wait-at least for one more game. When Canada takes the ice for its opening round-robin matchup against Czechia, Sanheim won’t be in uniform.
Instead, the veteran defenseman skated earlier in the day alongside fellow scratches Darcy Kuemper and Seth Jarvis, signaling he’ll watch this one from the press box. Canada is expected to start Jordan Binnington in net, with the blue line featuring a mix of youth and experience-including Thomas Harley, Shea Theodore, and Drew Doughty.
It’s not the first time Sanheim has had to wait his turn in a Team Canada jersey. Just last year, during the Four Nations tournament, he was left out of the opening game lineup before working his way into the final three contests. He ended that run logging over 18 minutes in the decisive game against Team USA.
So if there’s a silver lining here, it’s that Sanheim knows this territory-and he’s proven he can navigate it.
Canada’s Blue Line Depth Leaves Sanheim on the Outside (For Now)
The decision to sit Sanheim isn’t necessarily a knock on his game. Canada’s blue line is stacked, and the coaching staff opted to go with other puck-moving options like Harley and Theodore for Game 1. With only seven defensemen dressing, someone had to be the odd man out-and this time, it’s Sanheim.
But even among the scratches, there's a pecking order. Theodore, for instance, will dress as the seventh defenseman, likely rotating in as needed. That leaves Sanheim as the extra-extra, at least for now.
The challenge for Sanheim is twofold. First, he needs to find his way into the lineup.
Then, if and when he does, he’ll have to make enough of an impact to stay there. With Canada expected to rotate players against lighter opponents later in the tournament-France, for example-there’s a real chance he gets his shot.
But it might be a short window to prove he belongs in the mix when the medal rounds begin.
A Break That Might Benefit Both Player and Club
From the Flyers’ perspective, this might not be the worst outcome. Sanheim has been logging heavy minutes in Philadelphia-over 24 a night-on a team that spends a lot of time in its own zone. He’s been a workhorse, and while he’s handled the load admirably, there were signs of fatigue creeping in before the Olympic break.
So while it’s never easy for a competitor to sit, this pause could serve as a midseason recharge. And if Sanheim does get into the lineup later in the tournament, he’ll be fresher and potentially more impactful.
Canada’s Opening Night Lineup: Star Power Across the Board
Here’s how Canada is expected to line up against Czechia:
Forwards:
- Celebrini - McDavid - Wilson
- Hagel - MacKinnon - Suzuki
- Marner - Crosby - Stone
- Marchand - Horvat - Reinhart
- Bennett
Defense:
- Toews - Makar
- Morrissey - Parayko
- Harley - Doughty
- Theodore (7th D)
That’s a who’s who of Canadian hockey talent, and it underscores just how competitive it is to crack this roster-especially on the back end, where names like Makar, Doughty, and Morrissey are already eating up big minutes.
The Road Ahead
Sanheim’s Olympic journey isn’t over-it’s just delayed. Whether he gets a look in Game 2 or further down the line, the opportunity is likely coming.
But when it does, it’ll be on him to seize it. At this level, nothing is handed out.
And with Canada chasing gold, every shift will matter.
For now, Sanheim waits. But if his history with Team Canada is any indication, he won’t be waiting long.