December 31, 2025
In a roster announcement that sent shockwaves through the hockey world, Hockey Canada unveiled its 25-man squad for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics today in Minneapolis. The lineup is stacked with superstars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, and rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini. But amid the star power, one glaring omission stands out: Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP just six months ago.
Bennett's exclusion is not just surprising it's a head-scratcher. Even Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard, tied for third in NHL scoring before an injury, was left off. While Canada's forward depth is an "embarrassment of riches," as GM Doug Armstrong put it, Bennett's resume screams Olympic must-have. And whispers of Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper's influence – he's returning as bench boss after guiding Canada to 4 Nations Face-Off gold earlier this year – raise questions about whether loyalty to his Lightning trio (Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, and Anthony Cirelli) played a role in the snubs.
The Ironclad Case for Sam Bennett
Bennett isn't just a depth player; he's a proven winner in the biggest moments. In the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he led all scorers with an NHL-record 15 goals, powering the Panthers to back-to-back championships and earning the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP – the first Panther to do so. His physical, net-front presence transformed Florida's bottom-six into a relentless force.
Fast-forward to February's 4 Nations Face-Off: Bennett started as a healthy scratch but earned his spot with bone-crushing hits, including a fight with Brady Tkachuk, and delivered in the gold-medal final against the USA. He roofed the tying goal late in regulation to force overtime, securing Canada's victory. That's clutch DNA – exactly what the single-elimination Olympic format demands, where three straight must-wins separate gold from heartbreak.
At 30 years old for Milano, Bennett fits perfectly as a middle-six grinder who can score (career-high 51 points last regular season), win faceoffs, and punish opponents. Tom Wilson was added for size and snarl, but Wilson trails Bennett in production and lacks his Cup pedigree. Bennett over Cirelli or Hagel? Absolutely – he'd bring more offensive upside without sacrificing grit.
Cooper's Tampa Trio: Loyalty Over Merit?
Enter Jon Cooper, the Lightning bench boss who masterminded Canada's 4 Nations triumph and was retained for the Olympics. It's no secret he'll lean on familiar chemistry: McDavid-Point-Stone was a 4 Nations juggernaut. Point (top-line sniper) is a lock. But retaining all three Lightning forwards – depth guys Hagel and Cirelli – feels like favoritism
Hagel and Cirelli excel on the penalty kill valuable, sure but they're replaceable with Bennett's superior scoring touch and physical edge. Three players from one NHL team on a 14-forward Olympic roster? That's unusual for Canada, which prides itself on balance. Dropping Bennett, Konecny, and Jarvis to accommodate newcomers like Celebrini, Horvat, Suzuki, and Wilson smells of Cooper protecting his Tampa core – guys who thrived under him in February.
Fans are furious: "Biggest shocker... Sam Bennett will NOT be in Milan... Jon Cooper keeps his Tampa trio together."
The Bedard Snub: Depth Cuts Both Ways
Even Connor Bedard, the 20-year-old generational talent (1.42 points per game pre-injury), got the axe – alongside Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele. Bedard was overlooked for 4 Nations too, but his exclusion here underscores the roster crunch. With Cooper's Tampa loyalists locked in, high-end talent like Bedard (future Olympics lock in 2030) pays the price. It's a short-term win for "experience," but long-term? Questionable.
Final Verdict: Bennett Belongs in Milano
Canada's roster is a medal contender no doubt. But snubbing Sam Bennett robs them of a battle-tested warrior who elevates any lineup. If Cooper's affinity for his Lightning trio tipped the scales, Hockey Canada must prioritize merit over familiarity. Bennett isn't an injury replacement; he's a starter. Bring him back for gold.