Bennett replaces injured Cirelli on Canada's Olympic roster
Team Canada and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli is out of the Olympics due to injury and has been replaced by Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, Hockey Canada announced Tuesday.
Cirelli was injured Sunday in the Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins on a hit by Mark Kastelic. He has 15 goals and 35 points in 49 games.
Anthony Cirelli has left the game and will not return after taking this hit from Mark Kestelic 🤕 pic.twitter.com/H0uZNzWueV
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 2, 2026
Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, has 19 goals and 42 points in 55 contests. He notched 15 goals and 22 points in 23 playoff games en route to the Panthers' second straight Stanley Cup last year.
The 29-year-old exited Monday's clash with the Buffalo Sabres due to an upper-body injury. The ailment isn't serious, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Bennett represented Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago, with his lone goal coming in the championship game versus the United States.
Canada forward Brayden Point's status for the Olympics remains uncertain. He hasn't played since Jan. 12 due to a lower-body injury.