Pair Of Former Panthers Defenseman Invited To Canada's Olympic Orientation Camp

Former Florida Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar and Brandon Montour have received invitations for Team Canada's 2026 Olympic Orientation Camp.

The pair of right-handed defensemen enjoyed some of their best seasons of their careers in Florida. Weegar was one of the key figures involved in the Matthew Tkachuk trade after he was drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round (206th overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft and played 306 games. With the Panthers, Weegar finished in the top 10 in Norris Trophy voting, due to his excellent two-way game.

The 31-year-old was omitted from Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster, but a strong start to the 2025-26 season could help his case.

Montour's best years of his career have come in a Panthers sweater. His tenure with the Panthers is highlighted by his Stanley Cup ring and his 73-point season in 2022-23. The 31-year-old was also left off of Canada's 4 Nations roster, but after a career-high 18-goal season in his first season with the Seattle Kraken and a strong World Championship showing, Montour, too, has all the makings of pushing for a roster spot at the 2026 Olympics. 

It won't be easy for Weegar and Montour, as Canada holds a lot of options on the right side. At the Olympics, each team will carry 25 players on their roster, with the traditional breakdown usually consisting of 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders. If healthy, the expectation is that Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, and Thomas Harley are locks for the team. Leaving just four spots for defensemen such as Aaron Ekblad, Colton Parayko, Evan Bouchard, Shea Theodore, Drew Doughty, Travis Sanheim and several others to fight for alongside Weegar and Montour.  

42 players will head to Calgary for this camp, 26 forwards, 13 defensemen and three goalies.

Team Canada invites 5 Florida Panthers players to Olympic orientation camp Hockey fans are going to be in for a big treat this winter.