Canada GM Armstrong adding Bennett, Jarvis: ‘We believe they give us the best opportunity to have a competitive team’
Team Canada has been forced to make significant changes just days before competition at the Winter Olympic Games is set to begin.
With less than a week before Canada’s first game on Feb. 12, Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point were forced off the team due to injury and replaced by Florida Panthers’ Sam Bennett and Carolina Hurricanes winger Seth Jarvis.
General manager Doug Armstrong says selecting the replacement players was difficult, but he and the management group believe Bennett and Jarvis give Canada the best chance to win.
“It was obviously difficult because we wanted both Cirelli and Point to be on the team. We sat with our group, came up with a list of players, discussed with the coaches, and tried to get the synergy they wanted,” Armstrong told TSN’s Ryan Rishaug. “Obviously, Bennett and Jarvis have a history with this group, so that’s going to be an easy transition.
“But it wasn’t based on history. We believe they give us the best opportunity to have a competitive team.”
Both Bennett and Jarvis were a part of Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year. Bennett played a key part in Canada’s tournament-clinching victory over the United States, as he scored the tying goal late in the second period that would set the stage for Connor McDavid’s overtime winner. The gritty forward has 19 goals and 42 points in 57 games with the Panthers this season.
Jarvis played three games at the 4 Nations, recording one assist. He has 25 goals and 18 assists with the Hurricanes this season.
Armstrong says the roster decisions were heavily debated amongst management as they wanted consistency and synergy with the rest of the roster.
“You look for synergy, consistency, and we tried to pick this year’s team based on who was playing the best and who gave us the best opportunity,” Armstrong said.
Much of the Canadian Olympic roster is similar to the one that won the 4 Nations Face-Off last February. As it stands, 19 of the 25-player roster headed to Milano-Cortina played on the 4 Nations roster. Macklin Celebrini, Bo Horvat, Nick Suzuki, Tom Wilson, Darcy Kuemper, and Logan Thompson are the only newcomers.
“The 4 Nations was one year ago. To get selected for that team, you were at that level, and not much really changes in a year,” said Armstrong. “We do have some changes. Celebrini is obviously a young player who has blossomed. But because the 4 Nations was so recent, it’s not strange that a lot of countries have a lot of repeat players.”
Celebrini forced his way onto the roster with an exceptional 2025-26 season. The North Vancouver, B.C, native has 28 goals and 81 points through 55 games, trailing only Canadian teammates Connor McDavid (96) and Nathan MacKinnon (93), and Nikita Kucherov (91) in scoring.
The men’s hockey tournament is set to begin next Wednesday, Feb. 11, while Canada’s first game against Czechia is set for Thursday.
While in Italy, Armstrong wants the players to enjoy the full Olympic experience and hopes the bonds and friendships created while representing their country will continue to grow.
“We want them to enjoy the Olympic experience. One of the things I find most rewarding is that when you’re at the Olympics, you’re a part of Team Canada, not just a hockey team. And to share those experiences with other athletes, to watch the players bond and get to know people, I think it’s great,” said Armstrong.
“To see our players bond at the 4 Nations and see those bonds continue to grow. These friendships last forever, and I think we’re going to continue building off of that.”
