Team Canada’s Olympic men’s hockey roster just got a shake-up - and it might not be the last.
Sam Bennett is officially heading to Milano Cortina 2026, stepping in as an injury replacement for Anthony Cirelli. It’s a well-earned call-up for Bennett, who many felt had a strong case to make the roster from the jump. Now, with Cirelli sidelined, Bennett gets his shot on the world stage.
But this might only be the beginning of changes for Canada’s lineup. A handful of key players are dealing with injuries - and their availability for the tournament is very much in question. Let’s break it down.
Brayden Point: Canada’s Big Question Mark
The biggest concern right now? Brayden Point.
The Tampa Bay Lightning center has been out of the lineup for the last nine games with a lower-body injury, and he’s already been ruled out for Tampa’s final two games before the Olympic break. That’s a significant chunk of missed time for a player who was expected to slot into a top-six role for Canada.
Point has 11 goals and 30 points on the season - solid production for a player who brings speed, skill, and playoff pedigree. But with the clock ticking and no return date confirmed, his status is very much up in the air. If he can’t go, that’s a major hole to fill.
Logan Thompson: Goaltending Uncertainty
Then there’s Logan Thompson. The Washington Capitals netminder has quietly emerged as a frontrunner to start for Canada in goal, and his play this season has even put him in the Vezina Trophy conversation. But on Monday, Thompson was placed on injured reserve.
The good news? It doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue, and the Capitals haven’t ruled him out for their final two games before the break.
Still, any time a goalie hits IR this close to the Olympics, it’s cause for concern - especially when he’s projected to be your No. 1.
Brad Marchand: Day-to-Day, But Worth Watching
Brad Marchand is also on the radar, though his situation seems less serious. The veteran winger has missed the Florida Panthers’ last two games and is listed as day-to-day. For now, it doesn’t seem like anything that would keep him out of Olympic action - but with so little margin for error, any missed time is notable.
Devon Toews: A Personal Decision Looms
One more wrinkle to consider, and it’s not injury-related: Devon Toews’ status remains uncertain as he awaits the birth of his child. The Colorado Avalanche defenseman has made it clear - if the baby hasn’t arrived by the time the team departs, he’s staying home. It’s a personal decision that could open up another spot on the blue line.
Who Could Step In?
If more replacements are needed, Canada has no shortage of high-end talent waiting in the wings. Here are some names to keep an eye on:
Forwards:
- Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks): The phenom continues to show flashes of brilliance.
If Canada wants a spark, Bedard brings it.
- Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets): A proven top-six center with big-game experience.
- Zach Hyman (Edmonton Oilers): Plays a heavy, north-south game that fits well on international ice.
- Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes): Speedy and skilled, Jarvis has taken a big step forward this season.
- Wyatt Johnston (Dallas Stars): One of the league’s most impressive young two-way forwards.
- Travis Konecny (Philadelphia Flyers): Brings energy, grit, and scoring touch.
Defencemen:
- Evan Bouchard (Edmonton Oilers): A power-play weapon with a booming shot.
- Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders): Young, mobile, and smart with the puck.
- Jakob Chychrun (Washington Capitals): Big-bodied, physical, and can eat up minutes.
- Noah Dobson (Montreal Canadiens): Quietly having a strong season, especially in transition.
Goaltenders:
- MacKenzie Blackwood (Colorado Avalanche): Has shown he can handle a heavy workload and stay composed under pressure.
As it stands, Canada still boasts one of the deepest talent pools in the tournament. But with injuries and personal circumstances looming, the final roster may continue to evolve right up until puck drop in Milano. For now, Sam Bennett gets his shot - and he won’t be the last player hoping for a call.