But, that's not feasible. It would have been feasible and very nice for their fans had we gotten to see J/R return for one more competitive season currently. But since they made the decision not to do so -- or, if there was no backing for them to do so (with Skate Canada possibly being excited about Daleman/ Zabiako instead), then they will surely not be coming back in four years to anchor the Olympic team.
Honestly, this past season was purely an unexpected bonus for J/R, which they cherish. Yet, as they admitted, they didn't anticipate how difficult it would be. Their respective past championship experiences helped them, but being new together is always a challenging adjustment. It takes time for pairs teams to know their partner under the pressures of competition.
Ironically, Zabiako/ Daleman, for some reason, did not work out. So the other senior teams on SC's roster will need to step-it-up. I think Stellato/ Deschamps and McIntosh/ Mimar may have a chance to establish themselves as Canada's top pairs teams over the next quad. Walsh/ Micheau are very competitive in the second tier. I'm less assured of W/M's long-term potential in battling against top international teams.
ETA: I forgot to mention Matte/Ferland who have a lot of experience together over a number of years. That's probably one of their best assets, i.e., knowing each other so well and being well-matched. They are fun to watch when they are in a good groove. But one of their drawbacks has been competitive inconsistency. Plus, while M/F are capable, relatable, and they pick good music and choreo, they don't particularly have spectacular weapons to set themselves uniquely apart.
Regardless of what happens for Canadian pairs, we will not see J/R returning only for 2026 Olympic team competition. They would not be in competitive shape after retiring this year.
ETA:
And yes, after posting the above reply, I see that
@GoneWithTheWind has further explained the impossibility in terms of the qualifying rules. Thanks!
