Panthers' Sam Bennett Earns Last-Minute Olympic Roster Spot

Florida center replaces injured Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli on Team Canada

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett was initially left off the Canadian Olympic hockey team, but received a last-minute call informing him that he would be replacing the injured Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bennett, who had already resigned himself to missing the Olympics, was overjoyed at the opportunity, saying "it really meant the world" to him to get the chance to represent Canada.

Why it matters

Bennett's late addition to the Canadian Olympic roster highlights the unpredictable nature of roster selections, as well as the passion and determination of athletes to compete on the world's biggest stage. His story also showcases the depth of talent on the Canadian men's hockey team, which was able to seamlessly plug in a replacement player when an injury occurred.

The details

Bennett had initially been left off the Canadian Olympic roster announced on December 31, 2025, despite playing a key role for Canada at the 4 Nations tournament. He was disappointed but tried not to let it affect his play for the Panthers. However, he received a call on Tuesday informing him that he would be replacing the injured Anthony Cirelli of the Lightning on the Olympic team. Bennett was overjoyed at the opportunity, saying "it's really something I've dreamt about as a kid and thought about every day since last year, putting on that jersey."

  • On December 31, 2025, the initial Canadian Olympic hockey roster was announced, and Bennett was not included.
  • On Tuesday, Bennett received a call informing him he would be replacing the injured Anthony Cirelli on the Canadian Olympic team.

The players

Sam Bennett

A center for the Florida Panthers who was initially left off the Canadian Olympic hockey team, but received a last-minute call to replace the injured Anthony Cirelli.

Anthony Cirelli

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who was originally selected for the Canadian Olympic hockey team, but had to withdraw due to injury.

Brady Tkachuk

A player who Bennett fought against while representing Team Canada at the 4 Nations tournament.

Matthew Tkachuk

Bennett's Florida Panthers teammate, who challenged Brandon Hagel during the 4 Nations tournament.

Brad Marchand

A Florida Panthers teammate of Bennett's who was selected for the Canadian Olympic hockey team on December 31, 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Amazing day yesterday. You go from being super disappointed and just thinking about what more I could have done or what I could have done differently. Just tried to play the rest of the year and not think about it too much. To get that call yesterday, it's really something I've dreamt about as a kid and thought about every day since last year, putting on that jersey. To say it meant a lot to me is a huge understatement. Because it really meant the world.”

— Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers Center (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Bennett's late addition to the Canadian Olympic roster is a heartwarming story of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of elite sports. His passion for representing his country on the world's biggest stage is palpable, and his inclusion showcases the depth of talent on the Canadian men's hockey team.