Cirelli Withdraws from Olympics; Bennett Joins Team Canada

Bassyonni

Published: February 4, 2026 3:32 PM ET

Cirelli Withdraws from Olympics; Bennett Joins Team Canada

Anthony Cirelli will not represent Team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 due to a lower-body injury. The Tampa Bay Lightning forward sustained this injury during a recent game and is set to be replaced by Sam Bennett from the Florida Panthers.

Details of Cirelli’s Injury

Cirelli experienced the injury with just 1:44 left in the first period during a 6-5 shootout victory against the Boston Bruins. This match took place at Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series, held in Raymond James Stadium, Tampa. He was injured from a collision with Bruins forward Mark Kastelic and did not return to the game.

Player Performance and Background

This season, Cirelli has achieved 35 points from 15 goals and 20 assists over 49 games. Notably, he was instrumental in helping the Tampa Bay Lightning secure Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. At 28 years of age, he was one of ten Lightning players selected for the Olympic roster.

Team Canada Roster Changes

With Cirelli’s withdrawal, Sam Bennett will step in to represent Canada. Bennett, a 29-year-old center, has recorded 42 points with 19 goals and 23 assists in 55 games this season. He also contributed to the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2025.

Olympic Participation and Upcoming Schedule

As part of Team Canada, Bennett joins his Panthers teammates Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart. The NHL Olympic break is scheduled to start on Friday, with Canada set to face Czechia in their opening game on February 12 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Coverage will be available through Peacock, USA, CBC Gem, and CBC.