Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard Opens Up on Team Canada Roster Debate
There’s been a lot of debate about whether Connor Bedard should make Team Canada, so what does he think of it all?
The 2025-26 NHL season has been all about the superstars thus far, and particularly the emergence of young guns Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. That might just be the inevitable breakout for two first-overall picks who are supremely talented, or perhaps it’s the extra motivation to earn a spot on the Canadian Olympic team.
Team Canada’s roster decisions have, of course, drawn plenty of attention, and while Celebrini almost feels like a lock to represent his country in Milan, Bedard is much more up in the air, even with his spectacular play this year.
As we creep closer to rosters being finalized, the chatter around Bedard’s case to make the team has only gotten louder, and on Sunday, he was asked about it before the Blackhawks game in Anaheim.
“Obviously, I want to be there, and everyone wants to be there. But there’s so many great players in Canada. They could make two teams and both would compete… I’m excited to see what ends up shaking out,”
The 20-year-old has reached a whole new level this season, having already racked up 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in just 29 games, looking like the generational talent he was hyped up to be.
Connor Bedard Deserves to Make Team Canada
While some may be skeptical about Canada bringing too many players with so little experience to the Winter Olympics, Bedard can’t be left off this team.
Not only has he been one of the best Canadians in the NHL this year, he’s flat out been a top-five player in the league, which shows in the numbers as he sits fourth in overall point scoring.
In a tournament where time and space will be at a premium, especially against tougher competition, Bedard’s skill set is needed to break games open. Capitalizing on the few chances you get is critical, and Bedard is one who can do that with his wicked release, quick hands, and elite hockey IQ.
He ultimately might not make the team, but at the very least, he deserves a ton of credit for how much he’s complicated the decision for Team Canada.
Next: Which Forwards are Fighting for Three Spots on Team Canada? Insider Reveals
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