Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey exits against Czechia with injury

Canada is down a defenceman.

Josh Morrissey left the team’s Olympic opener against Czechia on Thursday during the second period and did not return.

It is unclear what caused Morrissey to exit.

The defenceman missed the 4 Nations Face-Off final last year due to illness. He also sustained a knee injury last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Without Morrissey, Canada completed the game against the Czechs with six blue-liners. He began the game on the second pair alongside Colton Parayko.

Following the game, head coach Jon Cooper told Kyle Bukauskas that Morrissey tried to return to the game, but was unable. The bench boss had no additional update post-game, but did say that the team is hopeful the injury is not serious.

Canada is unable to name an injury replacement with the tournament underway.

For the season with the Winnipeg Jets, Morrissey has appeared in all 56 games, notching 10 goals and 32 assists.

The Canadians are right back in action Friday, when they take on Switzerland before finishing the round robin against France on Sunday.