Canada Inserts Sam Bennett Into Olympic Hockey Roster After Cirelli Injury
Updated (2 articles)
Bennett Named Replacement Following Cirelli’s Injury Hockey Canada announced Sam Bennett’s addition to the men’s Olympic roster on February 3, 2026, filling the spot left by Anthony Cirelli, who was ruled out after an injury in Tampa Bay’s outdoor Stadium Series game against Boston [1]. The decision came within roughly 48 hours of Cirelli’s injury, meeting the deadline for roster changes before the Milan 2026 Winter Games [1]. Bennett’s call‑up was confirmed on Tuesday, giving him a chance to compete in his first Olympics [1].
Cirelli Injured During Tampa Bay Outdoor Game Anthony Cirelli suffered an injury on Sunday night while playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the outdoor match versus the Boston Bruins [1]. The injury was severe enough to remove him from the Olympic roster, prompting Hockey Canada to seek a swift replacement [1]. Cirelli’s status was confirmed as “out” the following day, triggering the roster move [1].
Bennett Remains Eligible Despite Recent Upper‑Body Issue Although Bennett missed Florida’s game on Monday night due to an upper‑body injury, the injury does not affect his eligibility for the Olympic team [1]. Medical staff cleared him to join the national squad, and he is expected to be fit for the tournament’s start [1]. The timing of his own injury coincided with his call‑up but will not limit his participation [1].
Bennett’s Recent Accolades Strengthen Canada’s Lineup Bennett was a key contributor to the Florida Panthers’ back‑to‑back Stanley Cup victories, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in the most recent championship [1]. Despite being omitted from last year’s Olympic roster, his performance this season positions him as a high‑impact forward for Canada [1]. His inclusion adds depth and experience to a roster already featuring several seasoned veterans [1].
Timeline
1980 – The United States men’s hockey team wins gold at the Lake Placid “Miracle on Ice,” establishing a benchmark the 2026 squad seeks to reclaim after a 46‑year drought [1].
2002 – Former NHL star Keith Tkachuk earns a silver medal for the United States, becoming the first of the Tkachuk family to medal at the Winter Games [1].
2006 – Brady and Matthew Tkachuk experience the Olympic Village as children when they attend the Turin Games in Italy, planting early personal ties to the event [1].
2010 – The United States men’s hockey team fails to reach the podium, marking the start of a 16‑year medal‑less stretch that persists into 2026 [1].
2025 – The Florida Panthers capture a second consecutive Stanley Cup; Sam Bennett wins the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, highlighting his elite postseason performance [2].
June 2025 – Team USA announces Brady (26) and Matthew (28) Tkachuk as two of the first six players named to the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Olympic roster, confirming their participation early [1].
2025 – The 4‑Nations Face‑Off tournament showcases on‑ice chemistry among U.S. stars such as Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel and the Tkachuk brothers, influencing roster decisions for the Olympics [1].
Feb 1, 2026 – Anthony Cirelli sustains an injury during Tampa Bay’s outdoor Stadium Series game against Boston, prompting Hockey Canada to seek a replacement within 48 hours [2].
Feb 2, 2026 – Sam Bennett sits out Florida’s game with an upper‑body injury but remains eligible for the Olympic roster despite the setback [2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Hockey Canada adds Sam Bennett to its men’s Olympic team as the injury replacement for Anthony Cirelli, bolstering Canada’s forward depth [2].
Feb 5, 2026 – The NHL pauses its regular‑season schedule after the February 5 batch of games, allowing selected players to travel to Italy for the Games [1].
Feb 12, 2026 – Team USA opens its Olympic campaign with a preliminary match against Latvia, marking the brothers’ first Olympic appearance on the ice [1].
Feb 2026 (Milan‑Cortina Winter Games) – The Tkachuk brothers aim to end the United States’ gold‑medal drought dating back to 1980 and break the podium absence since 2010, while Canada fields Sam Bennett after a late‑stage roster change [1][2].