Chicago Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Chicago Blackhawks, NHL or NHLPA
A major rumor involving Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was just shutdown
Connor Bedard has recently declined a very prestigious offer from management of Team Canada, and it sparked much unfavored speculation this past week, but a new piece of information from the media has shut down a major rumor.
During his season exit interview, Bedard stated that he will be heading home (to Vancouver) this off-season to focus on certain aspects of his game and to prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season.
As The Athletic's Scott Powers reported, Bedard declined the prestigious invite to represent his country at the 2025 IIHF World Championships in Sweden/Denmark.
Much speculation arose in regards to Bedard's underwhelming season resulting in the 19-year old to not receive an invite from team Canada, but Powers quickly shut it down.
"Canada actually invited him. He just decided it was best to focus his offseason elsewhere,.»
His lack of production may have played a factor, though.
Bedard may have felt like he wasn't going to be sending the best version of himself to represent his country on the international stage, but Powers rebuts any speculation that this past season in Chicago has any ties to his decision.
«He's a one-dimensional player who isn't very good at playing his position, lacks foot speed, and is consistently out of position defensively. He should be staying behind to work on his game and ya, I'm sure he's relieved his country didn't call.»
A 'fan' said.Bedard's 67-point sophmore season may have struck many as underwhelming, but it was truly the best of his ability due to the lackluster roster in Chicago, led by a head coach who held zero NHL experience prior to being named interim.
The 19-year old has been playing nonstop since he was 17, including full WHL seasons, his NHL debut and World Juniors each and every year.
At his young age, he certainly should take a rest before getting burnt out.
What is Bedard's main focus this summer?
"Probably the biggest thing is speed and acceleration - «that's something I'm really narrowing in on. I want to attack that and find the best ways to improve in that area, along with others, of course.»
«For me, gaining that extra step could make a big difference.» He added, «It could help me beat guys a little more often, and with the way I think the game, that could be a huge plus.»
| POLL | ||
MAI 4 | 282 ANSWERS A major rumor involving Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was just shutdown Do you think Connor Bedard should be named captain for the Blackhawks prior to the start of the 2025-26 NHL season? | ||
| Yes | 81 | 28.7 % |
| No | 201 | 71.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
