NHL insider makes strong case for $64M Panthers superstar to make Team Canada in 2026 Olympics despite poor start

The Florida Panthers have not seen the best start from Sam Bennett this season. He has only five points in 18 games, which is low for a player in his role. His minus-8 rating also shows defensive issues early in the year. Even with the slow start, Bennett still plays strong minutes for Florida. His impact has come more through energy and physical play than scoring.

On Monday's episode of The Chris Johnston Show, the host discussed Bennett's chances of making Team Canada. Johnston said he would still include Bennett on his roster.

"I actually lean yes on that," Johnston said about Bennett. [20:50 onwards] "And I realize... there are going to be 50 Canadian players with more points than that right now in the NHL. Yes, because look what he did in the playoffs. Look what he did, even in the small amount of time he got.

Bennett signed an eight-year, $64 million contract with the Panthers in late June. He had 51 points in the regular season and had 15 goals and 22 points in the playoffs last season. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, after helping the Panthers win their second Stanley Cup in a row.

Bennett did not play in Canada's opening game against Sweden in the 4 Nations Faceoff, which took place in February 2025. Still, he contributed an important goal in the championship final and helped Canada win gold by defeating Team USA. Talking about which, Johnston said,

"He was a scratch, I believe, at one game in the Four Nations, if I'm not mistaken. But in the time he played, he made a difference."

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Chris Johnston called Panthers' Sam Bennett "a gamer."

Chris Johnston explained that choosing young players can bring uncertainty because they are harder to predict, and that the team needs players who are reliable in tough moments. Even with lower production this season, Johnston said he would still include Panthers star on his Team Canada roster.

"I do think you want to balance that with some players that are just gamers," Johnston said. "And I think he's a gamer. So, unless you know, I don't know if he's dealing with an injury or anything like, I'm not sure. "I don't know a lot of specifics about why his season has been as it has, you know, production-wise. But I still would, I'd be inclined to put him on my team."

Bennett has built a strong postseason reputation over his career. He has 40 goals and 78 points in 107 playoff games. His scoring increases when games matter most, and this is why Johnston believes he is a good fit for Team Canada.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar