Report: Czechs Hertl, Gudas to miss World Cup with injuries

A glut of top-tier defencemen and goalies will have Mike Babcock trying to fit all the puzzle pieces together when the World Cup of Hockey hits. Chris Johnston breaks down the questions facing the team’s staff.

San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl and Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Radko Gudas will not suit up for Team Czech Republic at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, according to a report.

Hertl continues to recover from a knee injury he suffered in the 2016 playoffs. No replacements have yet been named.

The Flyers updated Gudas’s status later in the day, saying he is week-to-week with an upper body injury.

“Radko Gudas sustained an upper body injury during his offseason training and will be evaluated on a week to week basis. We are hopeful and optimistic that he will not miss any regular season games,” GM Ron Hextall said in a statement.

The team also lost centre David Krejci to injury this week.

Czech Republic will play Canada in its first round robin game on Sept. 17.

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