Sam Bennett may end up on Team Canada after all!

When Team Canada revealed their roster for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics there were a few notable names missing. Players like Seth Jarvis, Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett and Matthew Schaefer were all in the mix to make the squad but ultimately ended up not being included on the official roster.

Today though, with the Florida Panthers in Toronto to face the Toronto Maple Leafs this evening Panthers forward Sam Bennett was asked for his thoughts on not being included when he let it slip that... well... maybe he'll be there after all.

Bennett told NHL insider Elliotte Friedman that Bennett was informed by Hockey Canada that he will be included as an injury replacement and could suit up for his country if the need arises.

From Friedman:

Honestly, I know that Bennett is a bit of a divisive player but personally I was disappointed when he was kept off the roster. I'm not praying for an injury or anything, but I'd love to see Bennett crack this squad.

Now... just how serious is Tom Wilson's injury again?

Just as a reminder, here's Canada's official pre-tournament roster:

Canada’s Olympic Team

Forwards

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers

Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning

Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning

Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning

Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals

Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks

Bo Horvat, New York Islanders

Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers

Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights

Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights

Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens

Defensemen

Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

Thomas Harley, Dallas Stars

Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues

Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers

Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights

Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche

Goalies

Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues

Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings

Logan Thompson, Washington Capitals