Team Canada could be assembling a $3 million line in fines and suspensions

Forwards Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Tom Wilson have combined for $3,063,773 in fines and lost salary due to suspensions over the course of their NHL careers. Now imagine all three wearing the same sweater, and potentially skating the same line, for Team Canada at the Olympics.

That scenario moved closer to reality this week when Bennett was added to Canada’s roster as an injury replacement for Anthony Cirelli. The move gives Bennett a long-awaited Olympic opportunity after being one of the more surprising omissions when rosters were initially submitted on Dec. 31.

Bennett arrives with serious credentials. The Panthers forward is the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner after leading Florida to its second straight Stanley Cup, thriving in a playoff environment built on physicality, edge, and intimidation. Slot him next to Marchand and Wilson, and Canada suddenly has a line that won’t just try to beat opponents, it’ll try to break their will.

Marchand brings the experience, the pest factor, and the ability to get under anyone’s skin. Wilson supplies raw power and fear. Bennett bridges the two with relentless forechecking and playoff-hardened bite. Together, it’s a trio designed to drag opponents into uncomfortable hockey.

I love it.

Meanwhile, Canada gave the latest update on the status of Lightning center Brayden Point Thursday. Due to a lower-body injury, Point needs to be replaced and Seth Jarvis is stepping in.

NHL players are set to depart for Milan on Saturday, with the men’s tournament beginning Feb. 11. If Canada leans into intimidation as much as skill, the rest of the field may want to keep their heads up.