A potential child birth could force changes to Canada's blue line at Milano Cortina 2026.
Colorado Avalanche defenceman Devon Toews was named to Canada's roster on Wednesday, but his fourth child is due in February, around the same time as the tournament.
Toews' wife Kerry is pregnant with the couple's fourth child, and has an expected due date just nine days before Canada's opening game. However, because due dates are not set in stone, Toews said that he will not leave his wife until the birth of their child.
The 31-year-old added that he hasn't informed Team Canada, as he didn't think it was necessary.
"I think out of respect to (Toews) and his family, and also out of respect to Jon Cooper and his group, we're going to have to find out," general manager Doug Armstrong said on Real Kyper and Bourne Wednesday afternoon. "I certainly respect his wanting to be here for the birth of his child, but this tournament is going on no matter what.
"I'm hoping that the Toews play nice and have that baby nice and early," he joked.
Per the Avalanche defenceman, his wife's due date is on Feb. 2. Canada's first game of the Olympic tournament in Milan is Feb. 12 against Czechia.
Toews was one of eight defencemen selected to the roster. He has 12 points in 38 games this season.
