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NHL analyst takes heat after weird critique on Connor Bedard's Team Canada hopes

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Sam Walker
December 12, 2025 (9:38 PM)

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A recent NHL analyst's twist on Connor Bedard's Team Canada chances sparked blowback from fans and pundits alike, lighting up social feeds with sharp takes and strong opinions.

Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard has been one of the NHL's hottest producers this season, sitting near the top of league scoring with around 42 points in under 30 games and pushing himself into the Olympic talk mix.

Bedard, 20, has even caught the attention of Team Canada's general manager Doug Armstrong recently.

But even with that kind of output, critics of the recent analyst commentary say what was said just didn't add up.

Through the chatter about roster locks and bubble players, Bedard's name continually comes up with huge upside on offense and a growing two-way game that makes Canada's decision tougher than people expected.

Still, one broadcast segment tried to downplay his prospects by digging into a very small slice of tape and suggesting he shouldn't even be considered for Team Canada, and that's where the heat hit.

A tweet from RinksideGeneral called out the take as «not very good,» arguing the nitpick was both unfair and weird.

"Her criticism of Bedard just now was not very good.

Using some handpicked nitpicky tape from half a period to argue that Bedard shouldn't make Team Canada is just weird."

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Fans immediately jumped in, defending Bedard's case and pointing to his elite creative play and NHL production as reasons he deserves at least a serious look from Hockey Canada.

The reaction shows just how invested the hockey community is in Canada's Olympic roster and how sensitive the Bedard conversation has become.

Connor Bedard debate heating Team Canada chatter

Behind the scenes, Canada's Olympic roster planning is a balancing act between veteran experience and explosive youth, and Bedard's name is central to that debate, regardless of the analyst's intent.

Supporters insist Bedard's skill set equals a future medal winner right now, and many believe the backlash was less about him and more about tone.

Others argue that Canada's staff will weigh things like adaptability and two-way play more than a single clip can show.

That said, the fan base reaction matters in moments like this, and it's clear the Bedard story isn't going away any time soon as the Olympic decision approaches.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Quinn Hughes traded to Minnesota Wild in blockbuster deal

Leaked Milan Olympic hockey arena footage sparks real NHL concern

Blackhawks' Colton Dach sends warning to Blues, Red Wings for upcoming back-to-back slate

POLL
DECEMBRE 12 \| 290 ANSWERS NHL analyst takes heat after weird critique on Connor Bedard's Team Canada hopes Do you think Connor Bedard should make Team Canada's Olympic roster?
Yes	176	60.7 %
No	63	21.7 %
Unsure	26	9 %
Depends	25	8.6 %
List of polls

NHL analyst takes heat after weird critique on Connor Bedard's Team Canada hopes

A recent NHL analyst's twist on Connor Bedard's Team Canada chances sparked blowback from fans and pundits alike, lighting up social feeds with sharp takes and strong opinions.

Connor Bedard debate heating Team Canada chatter

Do you think Connor Bedard should make Team Canada's Olympic roster?