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Matthew Tkachuk was astonished by the information he received.
The forward for the Florida Panthers had just been informed of a surprising development — his teammate, Sam Bennett, was not selected for Canada’s Milan-Cortina Olympic team.
“The New Year’s Eve revelation left us all stunned,” Tkachuk remarked. “The entire organization shared this sentiment.”
Bennett had not only contributed to Florida’s consecutive Stanley Cup victory in June, but the tenacious center, known for his offensive prowess, had also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ most valuable player. Furthermore, complementing his already formidable recent achievements, the 29-year-old was instrumental in his nation’s triumph at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February.
Nevertheless, the Canadian management committee opted for an alternative approach with its roster of 14 forwards for the 2026 Winter Games. Bennett began the regular season sluggishly, registering only five points across 18 matches for the Panthers; however, he then accumulated 10 goals and 14 assists from November 17 to December 30, as the Olympic selection decision approached.
His efforts proved insufficient. Upon receiving the news, Bennett was deeply disheartened.
Despite this, he did not dwell on the disappointment, instead continuing to perform, securing 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 16 subsequent games, until an injury to another athlete — Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli sustained a lower-body injury on February 3 — reignited his personal Olympic aspirations.
Bennett, it turned out, would indeed be traveling.
“A tumultuous emotional rollercoaster,” commented the native of Holland Landing, Ontario. “This has always been a lifelong ambition. Being initially excluded was tough, but I endeavored to maintain an optimistic outlook.”
‘A consistent scorer of significant goals’
Known for frequently approaching, and occasionally crossing, the NHL’s boundaries for disciplinary conduct, Bennett exhibited a similar pattern at the 4 Nations tournament, initially sitting out as a healthy scratch at the start of the Olympic preparatory event a year ago, before ultimately seizing a chance to make a definitive impact in what became a thrilling competition.
“‘A physically robust player, he nets crucial goals, and has participated in numerous high-stakes contests,’ stated Canadian captain Sidney Crosby. ‘He possesses the ability to contribute across various facets of the game.'”
The 6-foot-1, 193-pound Bennett engaged in a fight with the considerably larger Brady Tkachuk, Matthew’s younger sibling, marking the second of three altercations during an intense start to Canada’s round-robin match against the United States last year. Subsequently, he netted the equalizing goal in the championship game versus the Americans, thereby setting the scene for Connor McDavid’s memorable overtime winning score.
“‘Occasionally, certain players garner the most media attention,’ remarked Canadian head coach Jon Cooper, who also coaches the Lightning and observed Tampa Bay center Brayden Point sustain an injury, with Seth Jarvis being named his substitute.”
“Conversely, there are other individuals who enter and exert extraordinary, beneficial influences on the game. Sam Bennett exemplifies such a player. I believe we all witnessed this, not merely in the 4 Nations tournament, but also throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs. His collection of accolades is entirely unsurprising.”
Matthew Tkachuk, who participated on the U.S. squad at the 4 Nations event and is currently with the Milan team, fully comprehends Bennett’s contributions.
“‘Particularly during playoff periods, his performance elevates,’ Tkachuk commented. ‘He’s an excellent skater, exceptionally physical despite his size, and highly effective in contested areas. It’s a combination of velocity, strength, physical play, and instilling apprehension in the opposing side.'”
Tkachuk also seized the opportunity to make a subtle jab at Cirelli, as the intense Florida rivalry — arguably the most contentious in the league presently — extended its reach across the Atlantic.
“‘Undoubtedly an improvement for their squad,’ he remarked concerning Bennett’s inclusion. ‘He appears to consistently enhance his performance as the stakes rise.'”
Despite his disappointment a month earlier, Bennett maintained his optimism. Now, he is poised once more to fulfill any role required for his nation, as Canada readies itself to confront Czechia in its Olympic debut on Thursday, amidst an intense athletic focus.
“‘One can never predict outcomes,’ Bennett stated. ‘I am immensely thankful for this chance.'”
Witness Sidney Crosby and additional Canadian hockey luminaries disembark at Milan airport as they ready themselves for participation in the Milano-Cortina Winter Games. The squad’s initial training session is scheduled for Sunday evening.
The Captain Returns
Gabriel Landeskog has recovered and is prepared to helm Sweden as captain, having been sidelined for 14 matches before the Olympics due to an upper-body ailment. The 33-year-old, also serving as captain for the Colorado Avalanche, was absent for three regular-season periods due to knee issues before rejoining the team for the preceding spring’s playoffs.
“‘He is truly exceptional,’ stated Swedish goaltender Jacob Markstrom. ‘It’s consistently an honor to share the changing room and be a colleague of Gabe.'”
Guardians of the Net
Cooper has not yet designated his initial goaltender for Thursday’s game but reaffirmed his faith in Canada’s three netminders.
Jordan Binnington secured the Stanley Cup in 2019 and delivered an outstanding performance in the 4 Nations final. Darcy Kuemper lifted hockey’s revered trophy in 2022. Logan Thompson has consistently ranked among the NHL’s top statistical goaltenders during the past two campaigns.
“‘They possess a championship lineage,’ Cooper declared. ‘They have executed crucial saves precisely when required; they are on par with any other players.'”
Presenter Karissa Donkin engages with Jeff Marek in a conversation regarding Hockey Canada’s strategy for their goaltenders at Milano Cortina 2026.
