'Crazy swing of emotions': Agitating NHLer Sam Bennett eager for Olympic chance after snub

Matthew Tkachuk couldn't believe what he was hearing.

The Florida Panthers winger had just learned some stunning news — teammate Sam Bennett was left off Canada's roster for the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

"We were all shocked," Tkachuk said of the New Year's Eve announcement. "Everybody in the organization."

Bennett not only helped Florida win its second straight Stanley Cup in June, the gritty centre with scoring touch claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. On top of that already impressive recent resume, the 29-year-old played a key a role in his country's victory at last February's 4 Nations Face-Off.

The Canadian management group, however, went in a different direction with its 14 forwards for the 2026 Winter Games. Bennett had a slow start to the regular season with just five points through 18 contests for the Panthers, but then put up 10 goals and 14 assists between Nov. 17 and Dec. 30 as the Olympic decision loomed.

It wasn't enough. When the news came down, Bennett was crushed.

He also didn't sulk and kept pushing forward with 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 16 subsequent appearances before another player's misfortune — Tampa Bay Lightning centre Anthony Cirelli suffered a lower-body injury Feb. 3 — sparked his own Olympic dream anew.

Bennett would be on the plane after all.

"A crazy swing of emotions," said the Holland Landing, Ont., product. "It's something I've always dreamt about. When my name was left off the first time it was difficult, but I've just tried to keep a positive mindset."

A player with a history of getting close to, and sometimes stepping over, the NHL's disciplinary line, Bennett did the same at 4 Nations as a healthy scratch to open the Olympic table-setting event 12