"Where's Sam Bennett": Hockey fans react to notable omissions from Team Canada's first six for 2026 Olympics headlined by Crosby, McDavid

On Monday, Hockey Canada unveiled its first six players selected to represent the country at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Brayden Point and Sam Reinhart headline the six named to the roster.

The only change from the initial players chosen to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year is Sam Reinhart being swapped in exchange for veteran Brad Marchand.

NHL fans reacted to the news on X (formerly Twitter).

"Where's Sam Bennett," one fan wrote.

"They don't stand a chance against the mighty United States," another fan wrote.

"Reinhart not a top 6 F for this team," added another fan.

More fans have reacted to the unveiling on X.

"Rhino over Bennett to start is an odd one to me," one fan wrote.

"Makar's suspension is over, I guess," another fan added.

"Suzuki is better then Point," one last fan added.

There is not too much to debate about these first six players. However, hockey fans will be going back and forth on their preferred lineups for the rest of Team Canada's roster for months to come.

Hockey Canada's rival will put up a stacked first six players of their own

Not many countries can even come close to matching the talent and star power Hockey Canada possesses among its first six players selected.

However, if there is one team that can compete with them, it's their bitter rivals from the United States.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff gave his projection for the first six players selected by Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics on X on Monday.

"Projecting Team USA first six players to be named for Milan 2026 Olympic Winter Games: F Auston Matthews, Captain #LeafsForever; F Jack Eichel #VegasBorn; F Brady Tkachuk #GoSensGo; F Matthew Tkachuk #TimeToHunt; D Quinn Hughes #Canucks; D Charlie McAvoy #NHLBruins," Seravalli wrote.

USA Hockey will unveil the first six players on its roster at 1 p.m. ET on Monday.

The remainder of the roster for all 12 countries participating in the Olympics will be revealed later this year. The men's tournament is scheduled to begin play on February 11, 2026, and span until February 22.