Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak did not hold back his surprise and disappointment after his teammate, forward Morgan Geekie, was a notable omission from Team Canada's roster for the upcoming Olympic Games. This comes despite Geekie having a standout year, including a remarkable 50-goal tally in the 2025 calendar year, statistics that typically command serious consideration for national team selection.
A Surprising Omission from the Olympic Roster
The decision to leave Geekie off the team is seen as one of the more surprising snubs this selection cycle. Pastrnak addressed the situation in his characteristic light-hearted manner, but the underlying sentiment was unmistakable. The Bruins winger, who will represent Czechia, highlighted the immense difficulty Canadian players face in cracking their national squad, even when performing at the peak of their careers.
"I told Geeks, we’ll take him for Team Czech," Pastrnak quipped in comments reported by NHL.com. His statement underscores a stark reality in international hockey: Canada's talent pool is so deep that high-calibre NHL performers are routinely left out of major tournaments like the Olympics. This year, Geekie found himself in that unenviable position.
The Challenge of Cracking Team Canada's Lineup
Scoring 50 goals in a single calendar year is a formidable achievement in the modern NHL. Morgan Geekie accomplished this feat without constant fanfare, evolving into a steady and reliable producer for the Boston Bruins. However, Olympic selections are rarely based on recent form alone. Factors such as past international experience, established star power, and specific team balance often weigh heavily in selection decisions, which can disadvantage players who have breakout seasons later in their development.
For Pastrnak and Czechia, the calculus is different. The nation does not possess Canada's overwhelming depth, making every proven goal-scorer immensely valuable. Pastrnak's comment brought to light how nationality and the depth of one's country can sometimes outweigh pure performance when it comes to securing a coveted Olympic spot.
The Familiar Names Get the Nod
Geekie's omission is a textbook example of the extreme challenge in making Team Canada. A strong NHL season, even an exceptional one, is no guarantee when competing against a cadre of established superstars and players with long-term commitments to the national program. Coaches, under the immense pressure of the Olympic stage, frequently lean on familiar and trusted names who have delivered in previous high-stakes international contests.
While David Pastrnak prepares to don his national jersey and chase Olympic glory, Morgan Geekie will be watching from home. It is an unfair but common reality in the world of international hockey. For the Bruins, the situation translates into one forward representing his country with pride, while another is likely to use this snub as powerful motivation for the NHL season that follows.
