CHICAGO — Connor Bedard’s absence from the Canadian team at the World Championships last May fueled speculation about his aspirations for the Olympic roster. Despite disappointing performances in his initial NHL seasons, his absence at the Worlds was perceived as further diminishing his chances to shine on an international stage. However, Bedard’s priorities were clear; he was focused on the Chicago Blackhawks and preparing for the upcoming NHL season, rather than planning for the Olympic Games in Milan.
In a June interview with The Athletic, Bedard expressed his good rapport with Hockey Canada and explained the difficulty of choosing not to participate in the World Championships, emphasizing the need for a strong NHL season to solidify his chance for the Olympic team. “If I have a chance to make the Olympic team, I’m going to have to have a pretty good start to the year,” he had stated.
Bedard indeed made an exceptional start to the NHL season, showcasing his talents with an impressive offensive performance that put him among the league’s top scorers. However, his season came to an abrupt halt when he injured his shoulder during a faceoff against St. Louis on December 12. As of now, it remains uncertain if Bedard will return in time to join Team Canada as an injury replacement for the Olympics. If not, he may have to wait until the next opportunity in Nice, France, in 2030.
Although the circumstances surrounding his exclusion from the Olympic team might seem like a snub, it is primarily due to his injury, with his return date still unclear. Bedard has been skating and practicing but is not yet back to full strength, and Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill indicated that a reassessment would occur after the new year, suggesting he may be out for a few more weeks.
Prior to his injury, Bedard had made an undeniable impact on the Blackhawks with 19 goals and 25 assists in just 31 games, resulting in a notable 13 multi-point games. His development as a player has also been marked by impressive improvements in his two-way game, showcasing physical play, defensive effort, and an eye for creating scoring opportunities. His current plus-8 rating reflects his growth since joining the league.
Coach Blashill has praised Bedard’s performance, highlighting his commitment to both his team and his development as a player. “Connor played great hockey up until the point he got hurt,” he stated, emphasizing that Bedard had shown he is a world-class player who has enhanced his two-way game.
As Team Canada’s management deliberated on the roster, General Manager Doug Armstrong acknowledged the tough choices that had to be made, stating Bedard’s name remained in consideration right until the final decisions were being made.
Additionally, the hope for a faceoff between Bedard and fellow Blackhawk Frank Nazar, who was poised to represent the United States, has also dimmed due to Nazar’s injury from a puck to the face, which is believed to have resulted in a broken jaw.
In light of all these challenges, both players expressed positivity about the future and the possibility of facing each other internationally one day, highlighting their mutual aspirations. Despite the current setbacks, the journey ahead for Bedard remains promising, as both he and his coach continue to emphasize the importance of focusing on his growth and contributions to the Blackhawks.