Olympic Hockey: Where Things Stand for Jets Players Heading Into the Playoffs
What a difference a week makes. Just days ago, the Olympic men’s hockey tournament was wide open - every team undefeated, every storyline just beginning to unfold.
Now, after a fast and furious preliminary round, we’ve seen eight games apiece from Canada, Switzerland, and the United States. And with the playoff rounds looming, it’s time to take stock - especially when it comes to the Winnipeg Jets players still chasing Olympic glory.
Josh Morrissey Nearing a Return for Team Canada?
Canada has looked every bit the powerhouse they were expected to be, steamrolling through the preliminary round with a staggering 20-3 goal differential. They haven’t been perfect - no team is - but they’ve been dominant. And they might be getting even stronger.
Josh Morrissey, who’s been sidelined, was spotted skating in a side session with Brad Marchand ahead of Canada’s final group game against France. That’s a promising sign. Morrissey’s return would give Canada another steady, puck-moving presence on the back end - someone who can transition play, control tempo, and keep the offensive pressure dialed up.
Canada will face the winner of Denmark vs. Czechia in the quarterfinals.
They already blanked the Czechs 5-0 in their opening game, so confidence is high. If Morrissey is good to go, it’s just another weapon in a Canadian arsenal that’s already humming.
Nino Niederreiter Still Searching for a Goal
Switzerland has quietly put together a strong tournament, finishing the preliminary round in fifth place. They’ve been organized, opportunistic, and tough to play against.
But one player still looking to leave his mark on the scoresheet? Nino Niederreiter.
The veteran winger has been doing the right things - finding space, creating looks - but the puck just hasn’t found the back of the net for him yet. That could change in the next round, as Switzerland draws host nation Italy, the 12th seed. Italy has struggled mightily, getting outscored 19-4 through three games, and the Swiss will look to take advantage.
Even with Kevin Fiala out after an injury against Canada, Switzerland has the depth to pressure Italy. And for Nino, this is a golden opportunity to get on the board and build momentum.
If the Swiss advance, they’ll face Finland in the quarterfinals - a much stiffer test. But first, they’ll look to take care of business against the hosts.
Kyle Connor’s Olympic Role in Question
It’s been a tough tournament for Kyle Connor. The Jets sniper suited up for two games with Team USA but didn’t register a shot on goal in either. In a short tournament like this, there’s little room for players to find their rhythm, and head coach Mike Sullivan made a move - pulling Connor from the lineup in favor of Clayton Keller, who’s had a strong NHL season and was waiting in the wings.
It’s a difficult spot for Connor, no doubt. This isn’t about talent - he’s one of the most gifted scorers in the game - but timing and fit.
With the U.S. gearing up for a quarterfinal against either Sweden or Latvia, there may not be a clear path back into the lineup for him. Sweden, in particular, is loaded with NHL-caliber talent, and Sullivan will need to ride the hot hand on the third line if the Americans want to keep pace.
Connor’s Olympic story isn’t over yet, but it’s definitely at a crossroads.
Connor Hellebuyck: The Key to Team USA’s Medal Hopes
While the U.S. has advanced with a 16-5 scoring margin, they haven’t looked as dominant or as composed as Canada. The biggest question mark? Goaltending - at least until now.
Connor Hellebuyck is locked in as the starter moving forward, and that’s great news for Team USA. He’s been sharp, composed, and confident between the pipes. After a shaky first period against Denmark - when the Americans trailed after 20 minutes while rotating goalies - Hellebuyck has taken the reins, and he’s not giving them back.
For the U.S. to make a serious run at gold, they’ll need Hellebuyck at his absolute best. That means shutting the door against a likely Swedish team stacked with offensive firepower, navigating a tough semifinal, and potentially facing Canada again - with Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini playing lights-out hockey.
It’s a tall order. But if there’s one player who can put this U.S. team on his back and carry them through the medal rounds, it’s Hellebuyck.
The playoff rounds are set to crank the intensity up another level, and for Jets fans, there’s plenty to keep an eye on. Whether it’s Morrissey’s return, Nino’s scoring search, Connor’s uncertain role, or Hellebuyck’s heroics - the road to Olympic gold is heating up, and the Jets are right in the thick of it.