Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning will miss the 2026 Olympic Winter Games due to a lower-body injury sustained in a recent NHL game. Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been added to Team Canada's roster in his place, joining teammates Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart. The announcement comes ahead of the NHL's Olympic break.
Anthony Cirelli, a 28-year-old forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning, suffered a lower-body injury during a 6-5 shootout victory over the Boston Bruins in the Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. The injury occurred with 1:44 left in the first period following a hit from Bruins forward Mark Kastelic, forcing Cirelli to leave the game and not return. As a result, Cirelli will not participate in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 for Team Canada.
Cirelli, who has recorded 35 points (15 goals and 20 assists) in 49 games this season, was selected as one of 10 Lightning players for the Olympics. He previously won the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.
Replacing him is Sam Bennett, a 29-year-old forward from the Florida Panthers, who will join fellow Panthers Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart on the Canadian roster. Bennett has tallied 42 points (19 goals and 23 assists) in 55 games this season and secured Stanley Cup titles with Florida in 2024 and 2025. His international experience includes a game-tying goal in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off championship against the United States, contributing to Canada's victory, as well as gold at the 2013 IIHF U18 World Junior Championship where he posted seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in seven games.
The NHL Olympic break begins Friday, with Team Canada's first game scheduled against Czechia on February 11 at 10:30 a.m. ET, broadcast on Peacock, USA, CBC Gem, and CBC. This roster adjustment highlights the challenges of injuries as players prepare for the international competition in Italy.
