It appeared to be rest.

Apparently, that wasn’t the only reason Brad Marchand didn’t play in Canada’s last game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Because for the second consecutive Team Canada game, Marchand is out.

The Canadians played a back-to-back Thursday and Friday, and so it was thought Marchand sat for a bit of rest.

But now with Saturday off from a game and back on the ice Sunday against France, Canada is still without the veteran Marchand.

He, along with Darcy Kuemper and Josh Morrissey, didn’t dress for the France game.

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Why isn’t Brad Marchand playing again?

Marchand’s absence is now more curious.

Multiple on-the-ground reports indicated that Marchand did skate at Canada’s morning workout before the game, so he isn’t seriously injured or anything.

Maybe the Canadian staff really liked what they saw out of Seth Jarvis in their win over Switzerland. Maybe they didn’t like how Marchand looked against Czechia in the opener.

There’s also a chance he’s battling some minor bumps and bruises and they’ve decided to be safe, not sorry.

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Canada wants a big goal differential on Sunday against France to ensure the best possible quarterfinal matchup. Whether Marchand or Jarvis would’ve been better for that cause is anyone’s guess.

Jon Cooper will likely share a bit more after the game, although not much. There’s plenty of secrecy surrounding hockey injuries.

All we know for sure is that Marchand isn’t out there, and it’s a major surprise.

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