Blackhawks' Connor Bedard's updated odds at making Team Canada's Olympic roster

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, age 20, is among the NHL's top scorers this season, and that production is pushing his name deeper into Team Canada's Olympic conversation.

He sits near the top of Canadian point producers, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, and Connor McDavid, yet his pace shows he could bring real offense to the international stage.

Bedard has been open about wanting an Olympic spot, saying he'd «do anything to be on that team,» and he's realistic about the challenge ahead with Canada's depth.

Even so, Hockey Canada's coaching staff has publicly given him time this month to solidify his case with performance and health, suggesting his standing isn't fixed yet.

Health has crept into this story because a shoulder injury from recent Blackhawks action clouds his availability before rosters lock. He's expected to miss time but could be evaluated after the break, leaving his Olympic aspirations hanging on recovery timing.

Missing games in late December could shift selection momentum.

There's a real sense among observers that Bedard's elite season should at least earn him a serious look from Jon Cooper and his staff, especially after NHL stars returned to Olympic eligibility. That said, some voices still cast Bedard as an outside option compared to veteran scorers and more experienced Canadian forwards.

Legendary figures in the game have even weighed in, with Wayne Gretzky publicly supporting Bedard's inclusion based on how he's performed this year, adding another layer to his case.

The narrative around Bedard's Olympic chances isn't just about points; it's about proving he can handle the pressure of best-on-best hockey, something evaluators regularly cite as a key metric for Team Canada decisions.

That lack of deep international big-game experience still nags at some evaluators, yet his trajectory and resume from junior world championships show he's no stranger to high stakes.

If Bedard returns to full health and stays among Canada's top point producers through December, his odds of making that final Olympic cut will climb sharply and could put a generational talent in a red and white sweater next February.