Cirelli Exits, Bennett Joins Team Canada for Olympics
Anthony Cirelli will not participate in 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 against the Boston Bruins and is set to be replaced by Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers.
Cirelli’s Injury Details
Cirelli left the ice with 1:44 remaining in the first period during a thrilling 6-5 shootout victory against Boston. The injury occurred following a hit from Bruins forward Mark Kastelic. Unfortunately, Cirelli did not return to the game after the incident.
Performance and Achievements
This season, Anthony Cirelli has been productive, accumulating 35 points from 15 goals and 20 assists across 49 games. He is notable for helping the Tampa Bay Lightning clinch the Stanley Cup in both 2020 and 2021. Cirelli was among ten Lightning players selected for the Olympic roster.
Team Canada Roster Changes
With Cirelli’s withdrawal, Sam Bennett will step in to join Team Canada for the Olympics. Bennett has posted impressive numbers this season, tallying 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 55 games. He previously won the Stanley Cup with Florida in 2024 and 2025.
Current Team Canada Players
- Brad Marchand (Florida Panthers)
- Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers)
- Brandon Hagel (Canada)
- Oliver Bjorkstrand (Denmark)
- Zemgus Girgensons (Latvia)
- Jake Guentzel (United States)
- Pontus Holmberg (Sweden)
- Brayden Point (Canada)
- Erik Cernak (Slovakia)
- Victor Hedman (Sweden)
- J.J. Moser (Switzerland)
Upcoming Olympic Schedule
The NHL Olympic break is set to commence on Friday. Canada will kick off its Olympic campaign against Czechia on February 12 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Fans can catch the game on Peacock, USA, CBC Gem, and CBC.
