CHICAGO — Connor Bedard was not selected for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill thinks he should have made the cut.
Blashill expressed respect for the tough decisions facing the selectors. He noted that Canada, the U.S., and Sweden have many talented players, creating a challenging lineup process. However, he emphasized that the hockey world may not fully grasp how much of a strong two-way player Bedard has become. “He’s developed into a winning hockey player,” Blashill said. “When Connor was in the lineup, we were fighting for a wild card spot. Now, without him, we’ve struggled.”
Bedard’s absence has been felt. Since his injury on December 12 during a game against the St. Louis Blues, the team has only managed one win in eight games. He got hurt while taking a face-off and fell awkwardly, injuring his shoulder.
Despite this setback, Bedard still leads the Blackhawks with 44 points in 31 games, showcasing his skills as a major asset. At the time of his injury, he ranked fourth in NHL scoring, behind stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. The strength of the Canadian roster means tough choices had to be made, according to Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong. He mentioned that Bedard’s injury didn’t change his standing in their discussions.
After taking a break to recover, Bedard skated again recently, though he hasn’t started shooting yet. Blashill said that he would be reevaluated later this month, providing more clarity on his return timeline.
As the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard has amassed impressive stats: 172 points in 181 games. His journey reflects not just talent but hard work, making his absence felt both by his team and fans alike.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks are set to face the Dallas Stars soon. Fans will be eager to see when Bedard returns and how he can impact the rest of the season.
