Bennett entering Canada's lineup vs. USA
Team Canada forward Sam Bennett will draw into the lineup Saturday against Team USA, head coach Jon Cooper confirmed Friday, per TSN's Chris Johnston.
Bennett was a healthy scratch for Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win versus Sweden. He was centering Canada's fourth line between Brad Marchand and Seth Jarvis during Friday's practice. Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel were joined by Brayden Point on an all-Tampa Bay Lightning line. Travis Konecny projects to be the odd-man out.
Canada's top two lines from Wednesday project to remain the same.
The lineup change means Bennett will get a chance to battle his Florida Panthers teammate, Matthew Tkachuk.
"It'll be interesting if Sam and Matthew meet in a corner at some point," Cooper said.
Bennett, known for his pesky style of play, has recorded 18 goals, 17 assists, 119 hits, and 62 penalty minutes this season. He tallied 14 points in 19 postseason appearances during Florida's Stanley Cup run last spring.
Bennett's insertion isn't Canada's only lineup change. Travis Sanheim will enter the fold on defense after Shea Theodore suffered a tournament-ending injury. Thomas Harley will also play if Cale Makar (illness) can't go, though Cooper said he's confident the Colorado Avalanche star will be ready.