Sam Bennett Replaces Injured Anthony Cirelli for Team Canada at Olympics
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Anthony Cirelli will not participate in the upcoming Olympics due to injury. Team Canada has announced that Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers will take his place on the roster.
Injury Updates and Team Canada Roster Changes
Cirelli suffered an injury during a recent Stadium Series victory over the Boston Bruins. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper referred to the injury as a “kind of a stinger” but did not provide detailed updates regarding Cirelli’s condition. The 28-year-old center has recorded 15 goals and 35 points across 49 games this season. Cooper also mentioned that Brayden Point’s status remains uncertain as he is recovering from an injury sustained on January 12.
Sam Bennett Joins Team Canada
Sam Bennett will replace the injured Cirelli. Although Bennett experienced an upper-body injury in a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres, it is not expected to be serious. This opportunity is significant for Bennett, who was initially overlooked during the roster selection in December.
- Age: 29
- Current season stats: 19 goals and 42 points in 55 games
- Previous playoff performance: 15 goals and 7 assists in 23 games
- Award: Conn Smythe Trophy winner
Bennett made headlines by helping Canada secure victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring a crucial game-tying goal against Team USA. He is on track to achieve a career-high in points this season, currently eclipsing his previous season’s best of 51 points.
Upcoming Games and Other Injury Concerns
With Cirelli ruled out, Team Canada prepares for its first Olympic match against Czechia on February 12 in Milano Cortina 2026. Other players facing injury issues include Brad Marchand of the Panthers and Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals, both of whom still have the potential to play before the Olympic break.
