Following Kevin Fiala’s scary injury that forced him off the ice against Team Canada on Friday, Switzerland announced that their left winger and alternate captain will not return for the remainder of the 2026 men’s Olympic hockey tournament.
“Kevin Fiala had to leave the ice due to an injury three minutes before the end of the match. Medical examinations revealed a lower leg injury which excludes him from the 2026 Olympic Games,” the Swiss national team revealed in a press release.
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Fiala’s injury is serious hard blow for Switzerland and their hopes of a medal at this competition. Additionally, it could play a role in the Los Angeles Kings and their NHL playoff hopes.
Kevin Fiala, of Switzerland and Kings, injured his leg against Canada
The 29-year-old is a driver of Los Angeles’ offense and is the team’s third-leading scorer in both points and goals. He was second on the team in both categories before the acquisition of Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break.
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Fiala played in 56 NHL games this season and scored 18 goals and 40 points for the Kings. He’s also averaging a career-high 19:09 of ice time per game, proving how crucial he is to Los Angeles’ forward group.
In 2017, Fiala suffered a similar injury while with the team. Nashville Predators. He suffered a left femur fracture and required surgery.
This happened in the first game of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Bluesand he was out for the remainder of the playoffs. Nashville made it to the Cup final that year and lost to Pittsburgh Penguins.
As for Fiala in this NHL regular season, his availability after the Olympics is unclear. The Kings’ first return game will take place against the Vegas Golden Knights on February 25 at Crypto.com Arena.
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