Cirelli Out of Olympics; Team Canada Replaces with Bennett

Anthony Cirelli, a forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning, will not participate in the upcoming Olympics. Due to an injury sustained during the Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins, Cirelli is unable to play. Team Canada has named Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers as his replacement.

Cirelli’s Injury Details

Following the game, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper described the injury as a “kind of a stinger.” He provided no further updates on Cirelli’s condition. The 28-year-old has registered 15 goals and 35 points in 49 games this season.

Team Canada Updates

• Bennett will replace Cirelli in the Olympic lineup.
• Cooper mentioned that other players, like Brayden Point, also face uncertainty regarding their participation.

Point, who has been sidelined since January 12, is now skating in a full-contact jersey but will not return before the break.

Sam Bennett: A Notable Addition

Sam Bennett’s selection for Team Canada comes after he was initially left off the roster announced in December. Despite sustaining an upper-body injury during a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres, it is not deemed serious. The 29-year-old has achieved significant recognition as a premier playoff performer.

Bennett’s Achievements

• Last season, he scored 15 goals and added seven assists in 23 playoff games.
• Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his outstanding performance in the postseason.
• He contributed to Canada’s success in the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring a critical game-tying goal against Team USA.

Bennett has tallied 19 goals and 42 points in 55 games this season, pushing toward a potential career-high in points, which stands at 51 from the prior season.

Upcoming Challenges for Team Canada

Cirelli participated in the 4 Nations event, though he did not score in four games. There are also concerns regarding the health of additional players, including Brad Marchand and Logan Thompson, both of whom could still play before the break.

Canada’s Olympic Schedule

Team Canada will kick off their Olympic campaign against Czechia on February 12, 2026, in Milano Cortina. The team seeks to build on past successes while overcoming the challenges posed by injuries to key players.