Connor Bedard believes his Blackhawks teammate belongs at the 2026 Olympics
PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
December 17, 2025 (9:25 PM)
Connor Bedard says Frank Nazar belongs at the 2026 Olympics, and it's a take that lands with real weight inside the Chicago Blackhawks locker room.
Bedard's argument isn't about highlight-reel goals or scoring titles; it's about versatility and doing the dirty work that Olympic coaches covet, he told the 32 Thoughts Podcast.
Bedard, 20, leads the Blackhawks with 44 points this season through 33 games under coach Jeff Blashill's structured system that prizes responsibility in all three zones.
Bedard knows international hockey demands players who can pivot roles, and he sees that rare flexibility in Nazar.
"Versatility is something obviously special. He's a special offensive player, but I mean, he's our first guy out there on the penalty kill, six on five, any situation, taking faceoffs, really anything," Bedard explained. "That's the kind of player coaches dream about when building an Olympic roster."
Nazar, still early in his NHL journey but already a key piece for Chicago, brings a blend of offense, penalty killing, and faceoff ability Blackhawks fans have watched develop. He's the type of player Bedard argues could thrive whether Canada needs offense or energy on a checking line.
Chicago's young core has weathered peaks and valleys this season, with Bedard staying hot and Nazar carving out his identity alongside him at the United Center.
Having two players who can adapt to varied roles is exactly the kind of asset teams look for when Olympic rosters are trimmed to fit a short tournament format like Milano-Cortina in '26.
Blackhawks' Connor Bedard wants Frank Nazar at Olympics too
Roommates off the ice and linemates on it, Bedard and Nazar share a bond that's grown since their draft days in Chicago, and that connection shows in the way Bedard talks about his teammate's game.
NHL fans have watched Nazar's grind game blossom, and Bedard's backing gives that development a louder megaphone among Olympic conversations.
The Olympic picture isn't set yet, and roster spots are tight for Team Canada and Team USA alike, but Bedard's endorsement underscores how much respect Nazar has earned from one of the NHL's brightest young stars.
The Blackhawks, sitting around .500 in the Central, still have plenty of hockey to play before February, and keeping both players healthy and sharp will be key.
Whether it's Chicago's next push for the playoffs or a shot at Olympic gold, Bedard's view adds an intriguing layer to how we talk about the Hawks' young core on the world stage.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL |
DECEMBRE 17 | 49 ANSWERS Connor Bedard believes his Blackhawks teammate belongs at the 2026 Olympics Do you agree Frank Nazar should be in the Olympics with Connor Bedard? |
| Yes | 13 | 26.5 % |
| No | 32 | 65.3 % |
| Unsure | 4 | 8.2 % |
| List of polls |