Team Canada has made a change to its Olympic roster.
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett will replace Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli at the upcoming Winter Olympics, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Tuesday.
The news comes just two days after Cirelli was injured in Sunday’s Stadium Series game against the Boston Bruins.
Cirelli, 28, suffered the injury after he was the recipient of a Mark Kastelic open-ice hit at centre ice with under two minutes left in the opening frame.
Lightning and Team Canada head coach described the injury as “kind of a stinger” after the game.
In 49 games with the Lightning this season, the Etobicoke, Ont., native has 15 goals and 20 assists.
For the 29-year-old Bennett, it’s another chance to represent Canada on the international stage.
The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner was a notable omission from Canada’s original roster, especially after he was on the 4 Nations Face-Off team that won gold last February.
In 55 games with the Panthers this season, Bennett has 19 goals and 23 assists.
Bennett left Monday’s loss to the Buffalo Sabres with an injury of his own, but head coach Paul Maurice said he is day-to-day and could play Wednesday against the Bruins.
