Blackhawks News
Bedard’s Lack of Big-Game Experience Could Keep Him Off Canada’s Olympic Roster
The debates and discussions around the 2026 Olympic rosters are heating up, and Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard finds himself right in the thick of it for Team Canada.
Less than two months remain until the final rosters must be announced, and Bedard’s stellar play early in the 2025-26 NHL season has placed him into the mix for the Canadian forward group.
Bedard, still only 20 years old, currently sits tied for fourth in the NHL with 26 points, along the likes of Mikko Rantanen, David Pastrnak, and William Nylander. He’s ranked inside the top 20 in both goals and assists, and his 13 primary helpers are tied with Nylander for the most in the league. Bedard’s growth and ascension have been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s also led the Blackhawks to their best start in nearly a decade.
But despite his incredible play, Bedard is still rumored to have an outside chance at being one of 14 forwards that Team Canada brings to Milan in February.
Last week, Chicago Hockey Now broke down a report that Bedard remains behind San Jose Sharks’ forward Macklin Celebrini in the battle for a Canadian roster spot.
Another insider, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, recently weighed in on Bedard, Celebrini, and New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer’s chances of making the team on his latest episode of 32 Thoughts. Friedman credited all three players for making a strong push, but he believes their lack of big-game experience gives Canada some concern.
“What’s the biggest game they’ve ever played? That’s what I think they’re weighing.” Friedman said. “I believe that Canada is nervous with these three guys [and] having them in a big game. Because they haven’t played at the senior level games like that.”
To be fair, with all three players still being under 21 years old, there hasn’t been much time for them to play in high-pressure NHL moments. Being selected first overall by a rebuilding franchise also doesn’t make qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs any easier.
Friedman and his cohost, Kyle Bukauskas did mention Bedard playing in two Gold Medal games at the World Junior Championship is better than nothing. Still, Canada seems to be favoring veteran players with experience at the highest level, which could leave Bedard watching from back home.
“It’s not Bedard’s fault he doesn’t have a lot of resume in the NHL. But I do think for Team Canada, that’s a thing.”
Bedard hasn’t been able to escape the questions about playing for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics. It’s brought up in seemingly every interview he does, and that’s likely not going to change before the final rosters are due.
Last week, Bedard joined NHLNow on NHL Network and was asked what playing for his country would mean to him.
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