San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture has been named to Team Canada's roster for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, the team announced on Tuesday.
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Couture joins the team as a replacement for injured Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn.
Benn underwent core muscle surgery back in mid-July, and while his recovery time was expected to be six weeks - he was hoping to return ahead of the tournament - he won't participate.
"We are excited to add Logan to Team Canada. He has developed into a top player in the NHL, and his versatility will benefit our group of forwards. In making this decision, the management group consulted with our coaching staff and determined that Logan was the best fit to help fill the role that Jamie was projected to play on Team Canada," general manager Doug Armstrong said in a release.
"We want to thank Jamie for his dedication to an extensive rehab program in an attempt to play for Canada. Unfortunately, Jamie will not be available and we wish him a speedy recovery."
Couture put up 15 goals and 36 points after being limited to 52 games due to a fractured fibula last season. He went off during the postseason, leading all skaters with 20 assists and 30 points in 24 games en route to his club's first Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Meanwhile, Canada loses a big contributor in Benn, who is one year removed from winning the Art Ross Trophy. The 27-year-old played a key role for Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, scoring the lone goal in Canada's 1-0 victory in the semifinals against the United States.
