Canada’s Bennett, Morrissey scratched for quarterfinal matchup against Czechia

Canadian forward Sam Bennett and defenseman Josh Morrissey will not play for Canada in the team’s quarterfinal matchup against Czechia, with Brad Marchand set to return to the lineup for the first time since the tournament opener.

Bennett will be a healthy scratch after registering one assist in three games. Bennett has primarily played on Canada’s fourth line, surpassing the 10-minute mark just once. Bennett was a late addition to the Canadian roster after replacing Anthony Cirelli on Feb. 3, meaning he was always one of the top candidates to be scratched at some point in the tournament.

Bennett had one point in a depth role at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, but has won consecutive Stanley Cup championships with the Florida Panthers. Bennett has 42 points in 57 games, putting him on pace for 60 points. That would be the best output of his NHL career after registering 51 a year ago.

Morrissey, meanwhile, only played part of the first period against Czechia before leaving the game with an undisclosed injury. He has skated throughout the rest of the week but has not returned to game action. Morrissey played three games at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year but was ruled out with an illness in the final. The Winnipeg Jets blueliner is tracking for his fourth straight season with at least 60 points.

Marchand registered an assist in his lone game to date. He’s on pace for just under 80 points in his first full season with the Panthers after helping the team win the 2025 Stanley Cup. Marchand also had one point at the 4 Nations Face-Off, which marked his first international hockey tournament since the 2017 World Cup of Hockey.

Jordan Binnington will return in net for Canada, with Logan Thompson serving as backup. Darcy Kuemper will serve as Canada’s third netminder.

Canada will face the Czechs at 10:40 AM ET with a spot in Friday’s semifinal on the line.