insider drops update on Connor Bedard's Team Canada hopes amidst shoulder injury

The 20-year-old center has been the Blackhawks' top offensive spark this season, sitting with 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games before the injury struck.

Bedard was hurt on December 12 against the St. Louis Blues when a late faceoff play left him favoring his right shoulder, and he's been on injured reserve since then. Chicago coach Jeff Blashill says he won't need surgery and will be reevaluated after the New Year, but the timing puts his Olympic push in jeopardy.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, speaking on the situation, noted that Bedard's play before the injury kept his name in the mix for Team Canada, and that the door isn't completely closed on a spot for Milan-Cortina 2026. LeBrun said Bedard could be considered as a depth option or even the first call-up if another Canadian gets hurt.

Heading into the injury, Bedard wasn't a lock for the Olympic roster, but his elite production had thrust him into the conversation nationally; Canada's final lineup must be submitted by December 31, which means he won't get another chance to prove fitness beforehand.

That prospect alone has given Blackhawks fans some hope amid the frustration of seeing their best player sidelined. Bedard has kept things upbeat publicly, saying his shoulder feels pretty good and he's focused on rehab, even as Chicago battles through losses without him.

The lack of direct contact from Hockey Canada surprised some observers, with reports indicating Bedard hadn't heard from the governing body personally about his status, though the organization may be working through other channels.

Chicago's red-hot start has dipped without Bedard, with the club losing games and struggling to find consistent offence. His absence has forced players like Frank Nazar and Jason Dickinson to step up every night.

Bedard's journey back from this setback will be a huge subplot for both the Blackhawks' season and Team Canada's Olympic hopes; if he returns strong in January, there's still a sliver of a path to Milan-Cortina even if he isn't on the initial roster.