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Insider reveals fine details as to why Blackhawks' Connor Bedard will make Team Canada
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
An insider revealed interesting details as to why the Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard should make Team Canada for the Olympic Games.
Connor Bedard's season has been going very well, and the timing couldn't be better for the 2023 first overall pick.
Not only is he in the final year of his NHL entry-level contract and looking for a massive extension at the end of the season, but he's breaking out in time for the Olympic Games, making him an obvious candidate for Team Canada.
The depth on that team will be incredible, and some veterans probably deserve the spot also. But not bringing him could end up being a mistake.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Bedard must absolutely be on the roster.
David Pagnotta Believes Connor Bedard Will Make Team Canada For The Olympics
He showed examples of in-game situations that prove Bedard can lead a team's system on the ice, make the best decisions during plays, bring physicality, and play with emotion.
However, the best argument is that Bedard played all his life for this moment, is much more versatile than people give him credit for, and even surpassed other Team Canada stars like Mitch Marner or Mark Stone this season.
In Pagnotta's words:
"Bedard, the star of virtually every hockey moment of the first 18 years of his life, do you not think he played road and pond hockey pretending to be on Team Canada, dreamt at night of playing in the Olympics? Those dreams are mental preparation, and every constant pressure moment he grew up with was preparation for the time he gets the honour of putting on that Canadian jersey.
There are enough top-six forwards on Canada to be able to move Bedard up and down the lineup as needed (as they did with Marner at Four Nations). The reality is, Bedard has surpassed Marner, surpassed Stone, and on merit alone should be in Team Canada's top-six forwards to start the tournament. Bedard on the right side with either McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon - my goodness the speed and offensive minds on the ice together, the possibilities are endless.
Let's not overthink this, Bedard's time to put on that Team Canada jersey... is now."
There are enough top-six forwards on Canada to be able to move Bedard up and down the lineup as needed (as they did with Marner at Four Nations). The reality is, Bedard has surpassed Marner, surpassed Stone, and on merit alone should be in Team Canada's top-six forwards to start the tournament. Bedard on the right side with either McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon - my goodness the speed and offensive minds on the ice together, the possibilities are endless.
Let's not overthink this, Bedard's time to put on that Team Canada jersey... is now."
The 20-year-old forward is currently among the NHL leaders for points, with 31, including 13 goals, in 22 games.
Do you agree that he should be on the team?
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