Panthers' Sam Bennett receives last-minute Olympic call.

Sam Bennett was added to Team Canada as an injury replacement after initially being left off the roster, and he said the late call "meant the world" to him.

Sam Bennett had told his parents to cancel their flights to Italy after concluding the 2026 Olympics were not in his future. A call on Tuesday informed him he was an injury replacement for the Tampa Bay Lightning's Anthony Cirelli on Team Canada. The late notice changed his expectations and brought strong emotion. Bennett said the selection "really meant the world" to him. Key facts: - Bennett had told his parents to cancel flights after thinking the Olympics were out of reach. - He was added to Team Canada as an injury replacement for Anthony Cirelli following the initial roster announced Dec. 31, 2025. - Bennett played at the 4 Nations Face-Off and had a notable moment fighting Brady Tkachuk. - He described the call as "amazing" and said wearing the jersey had been a longtime dream. Summary: Bennett's late addition reversed a period of disappointment and secured him a place on Team Canada. It was an emotional milestone after being left off the initial roster. Undetermined at this time.