Panthers Injury Bug Bites Again, But Bennett Gets Olympic Nod
FORT LAUDERDALE - As the Florida Panthers gear up for a key divisional clash with the Boston Bruins on Wednesday, the status of three important forwards-Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Anton Lundell-remains firmly in the “wait and see” category.
Head coach Paul Maurice didn’t sugarcoat the uncertainty following Tuesday’s optional skate at Baptist Health IcePlex: “There’s a chance they all play tomorrow; there’s a chance none of them play tomorrow.”
That’s the kind of limbo no team wants to be in, especially this deep into the season and with the Olympic break looming.
Injury Updates: Marchand, Lundell, Bennett
Let’s start with Marchand. After missing seven games last month with an undisclosed injury, the veteran winger has now sat out the last two due to what appears to be a setback.
He’s been a key cog in Florida’s offense all season, sitting second on the team with 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists). His absence leaves a noticeable hole on both ends of the ice.
Lundell, who wore a no-contact jersey during Monday’s skate, has missed three straight games with an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old has taken on a larger role this season and responded with 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists), while also leading the Panthers with 489 faceoff wins. That’s not an easy player to replace, especially when you’re already thin down the middle.
And then there’s Bennett, the latest to join the injury list. He exited early in Monday’s 5-3 loss to the Sabres with an upper-body injury and didn’t return. Maurice admitted they weren’t sure how serious it was at first, but the team is taking no chances.
“We needed a day to 48 hours to get a handle on how serious it was,” Maurice said. “There’s as much science as we can put on these things.
None of this is feel. We’re not messing around with a player.”
That cautious approach makes sense-Bennett’s not just a regular contributor, he’s a difference-maker. His 42 points (16 goals, 26 assists) rank third on the team, and his physical style and playoff pedigree are irreplaceable.
Center Depth Tested to the Limit
With Bennett and Lundell sidelined, the Panthers are now without all four centers who started Game 6 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final. Aleksander Barkov and Tomas Nosek are both still recovering from offseason knee surgeries, leaving Florida dangerously thin down the middle.
Maurice didn’t hide the significance of that reality: “That was a first last night,” he said, referring to the depleted center group.
The injury toll has been staggering. As of February 2, the Panthers have lost 318 man-games to injury this season. That’s not just a number-it’s a storyline that’s shaped their entire campaign.
Despite the adversity, Florida enters the final stretch before the break with a 28-24-3 record. Not ideal, but considering the circumstances, it’s a testament to their depth and resilience.
Bennett to Represent Canada at 2026 Olympics
Here’s the silver lining for Panthers fans: Sam Bennett is heading to the Olympics.
On Tuesday, Bennett was officially named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, stepping in for the injured Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s a well-earned call-up for the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, who’s been a force all season with 42 points in 55 games.
Bennett’s big-game reputation is well established. He helped lead the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, and was a standout in Canada’s title run at last year’s inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off.
He’ll be one of 10 Panthers heading to the Olympics, joining a truly international group: Uvis Balinskis and Sandis Vilmanis (Latvia), Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola (Finland), Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand (Canada), Gustav Forsling (Sweden), and Matthew Tkachuk (USA).
Canada opens its Olympic campaign against Czechia on February 11. Whether Bennett will be healthy enough to suit up by then remains to be seen, but the selection itself is a strong indicator that he’s trending in the right direction.
Barkov Back on the Ice
In another encouraging sign, captain Aleksander Barkov was back on the ice Tuesday, participating in the team’s optional practice. He’s still working his way back from offseason surgery to repair ACL and MCL injuries, but any sighting of No. 16 on skates is a welcome one.
Barkov’s leadership and two-way excellence are the heartbeat of this team. His return-whenever it comes-could be the boost Florida needs heading into the second half of the season.
What’s Next
With just two games left before the break, the Panthers are trying to hold the line while waiting for reinforcements. Wednesday’s game against the Bruins isn’t just a divisional battle-it’s a gut check for a team that’s been forced to dig deep all year.
Keep an eye out for the latest updates on Bennett, Marchand, and Lundell ahead of puck drop. One, two, or all three could be back.
Or not. That’s the nature of the injury game.
For now, Florida’s just trying to stay afloat-and maybe steal a few points-while the cavalry gets closer.