Team Canada recently made changes to its men’s hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Milan. it adds florida panthers forward Sam Bennett Tuesday as injured reserve for Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli.

Cirelli suffers upper-body injury in Chargers’ outdoor stadium series against Chargers boston Bruins Sunday and exited the game early. NHL insider Elliott Friedman confirmed Bennett as his successor.

“Team Canada is making injury adjustments for the upcoming Olympics. Sam Bennett will replace Anthony Cirelli. So sorry for Cirelli’s injury on Sunday,” Friedman tweeted.

As soon as the news came out, it sparked heated discussions online. Some fans express disbelief in Chicago Blackhawks talent Connor Bedard Excluded from the list.

“Bedard got robbed,” one fan wrote.

“God works in mysterious ways. Cirelli doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near this team,” another fan wrote.

“No Bede, still LMAO” One fan commented.

Some criticized Team Canada’s depth and lineup selections. They criticized the selection, calling it a “huge mistake” and questioning the team’s quality in the bottom six.

“Bennett’s win over Bedard, Heyman and others was a huge mistake,” one fan said.

“Team Canada performed significantly worse in the bottom six,” a fan tweeted.

“Can’t wait to see him get the match misconduct and five-minute slam in the gold medal game,” another fan said.

Bennett left out of Canada’s initial 25-man Olympic roster On Dec. 31, he earned Olympic recognition after a stellar performance for Team Canada in last year’s Four Nations Tournament.

Sam Bennett exits Panthers game early

Sam Bennett suffered an upper-body injury on Monday. The Florida Panthers forward was forced to leave in the first quarter against the Buffalo Sabers and did not return.

Matthew Tkachuk Frankly speaking The impact of losing Bennett was discussed after the game.

“It’s frustrating to see people go down almost every night,” Tkachuk told reporters. “I feel for him. It’s never ideal, especially early in the game.”

Tkachuk also acknowledged the broader injury toll the team has suffered this season. The setback adds to a slew of injuries that have impacted a Panthers roster that is struggling through a rough stretch.

Bennett had 19 goals and 23 assists in 55 games, with a plus-minus of -10.