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Connor Bedard's Olympic fate takes unexpected turn despite recent successful play
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Chris Johnston just deflated Connor Bedard's hopes; despite his recent successes, his fate with Team Canada is sealed.
Center Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks is a former 67-point scorer from last season.
This year, he shows no signs of stopping, competing neck and neck with Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.
Bedard's competition with Celebrini has been a negative for his Olympic prospects, surprisingly.
Despite that, he marches forward.
Bedard has scored a total of 29 points (13-16) in 19 games this season and has improved his game after last season.
Despite these recent successes and with a Calder Trophy (rookie MVP) to his name, that won't sway Team Canada GM Don Sweeney.
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, Bedard isn't a shoe-in for the 2026 Olympic Team. He may have a shot should an injury occur, but for now it's a:
No.
Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks Is Out Of Consideration for Team Canada's Olympic Team in 2026
A rough bit of news for Bedard, who gave up a chance to compete in last year's World Championships, instead focusing on his game.
The forward has played a total of 169 games in the NHL and has yet to see playoff time in the league.
GM Don Sweeney of Team Canada was seen at a Blackhawks game recently.
He appeared at a Blackhawks game in the United Center when they played against the Calgary Flames. A game in which Bedard would score a hat-trick and the Blackhawks would win 5-2.
It appears that Sweeney is hunting high and low for the "Dream Team" of Canadian hockey.
The finalized roster will head to Milano-Cortina, and we expect them to dominate over the competition in the Olympics, if Four Nations Face Off was an indicator of what they're capable of.
The sad thing is, it won't be with Connor Bedard, dashing his hopes and dreams for now.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 160 ANSWERS Connor Bedard's Olympic fate takes unexpected turn despite recent successful play Do you think center Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks should make the 2026 Olympic roster for Team Canada? | ||
| Yes | 146 | 91.3 % |
| No | 14 | 8.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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