Sam Bennett Replaces Anthony Cirelli on Team Canada’s Olympic Roster Amid Injury Concerns
Team Canada is making a key roster adjustment ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, and the Florida Panthers are once again in the spotlight. Center Sam Bennett is officially heading to the Games, stepping in for Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli, who suffered an injury during Sunday’s wild 6-5 Stadium Series win over the Boston Bruins.
Cirelli’s injury is significant enough that Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed he’ll miss Tampa’s final two games before the NHL pauses for the Olympic break. That opened the door for Bennett, who now becomes the tenth Panthers player named to an Olympic roster-a staggering number that speaks to the depth and talent in South Florida this season.
But Bennett’s own health isn’t exactly pristine heading into the tournament. He exited Monday’s game against Buffalo after the first period with an upper-body injury and didn’t return.
He was also absent from Tuesday’s practice, with Panthers head coach Paul Maurice labeling him “day-to-day.” It’s unclear whether Bennett will suit up for either of Florida’s remaining games this week-Wednesday against Boston or Thursday’s showdown in Tampa-but the fact that he’s still being added to Team Canada suggests the injury isn’t expected to linger into Olympic play.
Bennett and Cirelli are no strangers to international competition. Both were part of the Team Canada squad that captured gold at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. Now, Bennett gets the nod to help defend that standard on the Olympic stage.
Statistically, Bennett’s earned this opportunity. Through 55 games this season, he’s posted 19 goals and 42 points, providing Florida with consistent production and physical two-way play down the middle. Cirelli, meanwhile, has tallied 15 goals and 35 points in 49 games for Tampa, continuing to be one of the league’s most reliable 200-foot forwards.
With Bennett’s addition, Team Canada gets a player who brings playoff-style grit, a nose for the net, and the kind of versatility that coaches love in a short tournament. He’s capable of sliding up and down the lineup, playing in all situations, and giving the team a bit of edge-something that never hurts in international play.
As for the Panthers, Bennett’s selection adds to an already impressive Olympic presence. He joins teammates Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand on Team Canada, while Matthew Tkachuk will represent the United States.
Finland is sending a trio of Panthers in Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola. Gus Forsling will suit up for Sweden, and Latvia will be represented by both Uvis Balinskis and Sandis Vilmanis.
Notably absent from the Games due to injury are Florida captain Sasha Barkov (Finland) and defenseman Seth Jones (USA), both of whom were selected but won’t be healthy in time.
For Bennett, this Olympic call-up is both an honor and a challenge. He’ll need to manage his recovery carefully in the coming days, but if healthy, he brings a valuable mix of skill and snarl to a Canadian roster that’s once again built to contend for gold.