Why Canada’s Olympic hockey team might face millions in penalties and suspensions

Team Canada’s Olympic roster just got a lot tougher and more intimidating. Forwards Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Tom Wilson have racked up a combined $3,063,773 in fines and lost salary from NHL suspensions throughout their careers.

Now, imagine them all on the same line wearing the maple leaf.

That possibility became more real this week when Bennett was added to the roster as an injury replacement for Anthony Cirelli, giving him a long-awaited shot at the Olympics after being a surprising omission when initial rosters were announced on Dec. 31.

Bennett comes in with serious credentials. The Florida Panthers star is the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, having led his team to a second straight Stanley Cup while thriving in a playoff environment defined by toughness and intimidation.

Pair him with Marchand and Wilson, and Canada could have a line designed not just to win battles on the ice, but to demoralize opponents.

Marchand brings experience and a relentless pest game, Wilson delivers brute force, and Bennett adds relentless forechecking and playoff grit. Together, they form a trio built to make life uncomfortable for anyone they face.

Meanwhile, Canada updated the status of Lightning center Brayden Point, who is out with a lower-body injury and replaced by Seth Jarvis. NHL players head to Milan on Saturday, with the men’s tournament starting Feb. 11. If Canada leans on both skill and intimidation, opponents will have to be on guard.