Brayden Point's injury clouds Team Canada plans, and Sam Bennett's name suddenly feels relevant.
Monday in Philadelphia, Point scored in the second period, then immediately looked in trouble and didn't take another shift. He was ruled out for the third, with the early word being a lower-body issue.
Tuesday night, Chris Johnston “not good” description hit the internet like a cold splash, because the Olympics are right around the corner. Jon Cooper also said Point would travel with the Lightning, but didn't offer a real timeline then.
Daily Faceoff later reported Point is considered week-to-week, and noted the awkward collision on the scoring play in Philly. That's the part that makes everyone hold their breath.
This isn't just any centre, either. Point was one of the first six players officially named to Team Canada for Milano Cortina back in June, basically stamped as a foundational forward.
On the NHL side, he's still been productive, with 30 points on 11 goals and 19 assists, and he's 29 years old, a 2014 third-round pick by Tampa Bay.
Brayden Point health shifts Team Canada math
If Point can't go, Canada won't “replace” him cleanly, they'll rearrange roles and hunt for the closest fit. The good news is the centre depth already on the nominated roster is serious, including Anthony Cirelli, Bo Horvat, Nick Suzuki, and Macklin Celebrini.
So where does that leave Sam Bennett, from a Panthers angle? He wasn't on that 25-player nomination list, but his style is obvious, hard on pucks, straight lines, and he can handle ugly minutes when games tighten.
He's also having a strong year in Florida, sitting at 35 points with 16 goals, and his playoff reputation is still loud after winning the 2025 Conn Smythe.
For now, it's wait-and-watch, because Point's health will decide the Olympic headline, and it could quietly open a door for a Panther who lives for chaos hockey.
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Gary Bettman vs NHLers, what each side really wants
If Brayden Point can't go, should Team Canada consider Sam Bennett as a replacement-style forward?
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