The Czech Republic already lost one of their original picks for the 2014 Winter Olympics when Vladimir Sobotka suffered a leg injury. It looked like they would have to make another adjustment after Calgary Flames defenseman Ladislav Smid left Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Philadelphia in the third period.
The news is encouraging for Smid and the Czechs though, as the lower-body injury he sustained isn’t believed to be serious. As a result, he’s among the NHL players en route to Sochi, according to the Calgary Sun’s Wes Gilbertson.
Although Smid has just four points in 57 games this season, he ranks fifth in the NHL with 137 blocked shots. He’s also just one of three players with at least 130 hits and blocks.
The 28-year-old started the campaign with the Edmonton Oilers, but was shipped to Calgary along with goalie prospect Olivier Roy on Nov. 8 in exchange for forward Roman Horak and netminding prospect Laurent Brossoit.