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Nathan MacKinnon absent from Team Canada practice: Jon Cooper confirms his fate


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Aaron
February 17, 2026  (10:58)
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Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson of Canada celebrate after the match against Switzerland in men's ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Photo credit: Marton Monus/Reuters via Imagn Images

Nathan MacKinnon, alongside Sam Bennett, were absent at Team Canada practice today. Jon Cooper has now confirmed their statuses for tomorrow.

Both MacKinnon and Bennett have been great for Team Canada thus far, with the former having five points through three games. Luckily, after missing practice, it was confirmed that these are maintenance days, and both are expected to play tomorrow.
Team Canada will face either Czechia or Denmark in the quarter finals tomorrow; both have underrated teams, but are likely not matches for Canada's depth at just about every position.
We will see who comes ahead there, but it seems almost certain the Canadians will play for a medal in the coming days.
MacKinnon went viral earlier in the tournament for his comments, showing his cold 'Sidney Crosby-esque' demeanor:
"I want to enjoy myself, but I'm not here to enjoy myself. I'm going to do everything I can to play well, and hopefully it's enough and hopefully I can contribute."

- Nathan MacKinnon
We'll see if we get a smile out of MacKinnon at any other point in this tournament; barring a gold medal win!
More to come.
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Nathan MacKinnon absent from Team Canada practice: Jon Cooper confirms his fate

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