NHL insider shares major update on Alex Pietrangelo's 2026 Olympics participation amid health concerns 

Alex Pietrangelo was one of the few NHL players who bowed out of this year's 4 Nations Face-Off before it even started because of an injury.

The star defenseman withdrew in order to tend to something that was ailing him, prioritizing being healthy for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. He drew some flak for the decision, though he did miss 11 games down the stretch for the Vegas Golden Knights with various issues.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics rapidly approach, the first six players will soon be named for each country's roster. Many have speculated whether Alex Pietrangelo would be available to participate for Team Canada this time around. However, it doesn't sound too good.

Sportsnet NHL insider Elloitte Friedman provided an update on Pietrangelo and his future during the most recent episode of "32 Thoughts: The Podcast."

"Every year, Kyle, I hear Pietrangelo is so badly beaten up and he's put his body through so much, he's not going to be able to play next season. And every year I get told that's wrong. And every year, he's back, and he plays, and he plays hard, and he plays great," Friedman said (32:26).

"You'll remember that the NHL and the countries have an agreement that to name your Olympic teams, the full team is at the end of December, but you have to name six players by the end of June. And I put together a long list for all these teams, like who could be on it. And I had Pietrangelo on that list. And someone indicated to me that he might not be available.

"So I don't have any confirmation on that yet. And I still think it's one of those things where, at this time of year, teams are trying to figure out what their rosters might look like for next year, and are there any injury concerns? So we'll see what happens with Pietrangelo. I hope he's healthy. I hope he's good enough to go.

"But it sounds like there's at least the possibility that they're trying to figure out what his health will be like for the start of next season."

Alex Pietrangelo has two years remaining on the seven-year, $61.6 million contract he signed with the Golden Knights in 2021.

Alex Pietrangelo has missed quite a bit of time in recent years

After being sidelined for 18 games in 2023-24, Alex Pietrangelo missed another 11 games in 2024-25.

Now 35, this is not a great trend for the star blueliner, who had been one of the most durable players in the league throughout his time with the St. Louis Blues. While nothing is confirmed yet, it's certainly worrisome to learn what NHL insider Elloitte Friedman is hearing regarding Pietrangelo's health.

Hockey fans will hope to see Alex Pietrangelo on the ice next season and in full health, whether that includes the Olympics or not.