Brayden Point hasn't played a game for the Tampa Bay Lightning since suffering a knee injury against the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 12. Although the star forward has been ruled out until the Olympic break, he is still a possibility to play for Team Canada in Italy — but the clock is ticking.
As The Athletic's Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun reported, a decision on Point's availability could be made as soon as Thursday, with the Canadian roster set to travel to Milan on Saturday.
“Team Canada has no plans to bring an extra player to Milan as an injury standby, so Brayden Point's Olympic status will need to be determined by this weekend,” Johnston wrote. “Point has spent a lot of time on the ice since suffering a knee injury and is expected to skate again in Tampa today.”
Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong also provided a vote of confidence that Point would be healthy enough to join the squad.
“We’re hoping to have a decision before people have to get on planes, which is Saturday,” Armstrong told The Athletic. “Now, we can buy extra time. I’m not sure there’s going to be a lot of extra information between Saturday and Tuesday. That’s our initial plan, but it’s fluid.
“Yes, he wants to play and we want him to play. There’s no rush to this right now, so we’re not rushing.”
The Canadians will already be without Point's teammate Anthony Cirelli, who was injured in the 2026 Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins and was replaced by Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett.
There's ‘optimism' Brayden Point will play for Canada
As Johnston and LeBrun reported on Thursday, the most likely scenario is that Point will join Team Canada for the flight to Milan.
“There also seems to be optimism around Point’s recovery. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois — an assistant GM on Armstrong’s Team Canada staff — watched closely Thursday morning with a Tampa trainer while Point skated at Benchmark International Arena,” wrote the pair.
Lightning and Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper said that a decision could be made on Thursday. Panthers forward Brad Marchand, who has also been battling an injury as of late, will be an option for the country later this month.
“I talked to him, and he said he’s ready to go for us,” Armstrong said. “We rely on the players’ honesty. I have no question in my mind that they’ll do what’s best for the team. That’s what makes these guys so special.”
Team Canada boasts a stacked roster whether or not Point can play, but he is undoubtedly a key piece and one of the team's more important players at both ends of the rink.
Point has managed 11 goals and 30 points in 37 games in 2025-26, helping the Lightning to an Eastern Conference-best 36-14-4 record.
Canada plays its first game of the 2026 Winter Olympics against Czechia on Feb. 12.
