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Team Canada's management puts pressure on Connor Bedard on Tuesday night at the United Center
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
If the Chicago Blackhawks didn't have enough pressure on them Tuesday, Connor Bedard will have double that, as Team Canada's Olympic management will be present, with assistant general manager Don Sweeney in attendance to watch the 20-year-old former first overall pick.
As we know, the Winter Olympics will be taking place in Milano-Cortina, Italy, in February 2026.
Olympic rosters are works in progress, and for Don Sweeney, he'll be in attendance watching the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Calgary Flames.
Sweeney now has a big purpose: building a Gold Medal roster, which could include the 1st overall pick in 2023, Connor Bedard.
"Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney, who is also an asst GM for HockeyCanada
for the '26 Olympics, is on the slate to watch #Blackhawks vs Flames tonight in Chicago"
for the '26 Olympics, is on the slate to watch #Blackhawks vs Flames tonight in Chicago"
It was reported in August that training camp roster for Team Canada's Olympic team.
Connor Bedard will have an extra set of eyes on him tonight in the United Center with Don Sweeney in attendance
Perhaps it was his statement earlier in the season that stuck out to Don Sweeney:
«Of course, if that's something that I get to do, that would be unbelievable, and I would do anything to be on that team,» the center said after Chicago's 7-3 win against the Ottawa Senators at United Center on Tuesday. «But I'm trying to take things day by day and have fun playing in the NHL and trying to grow as a team and win hockey games and do everything I can to play my best hockey. In the end, that'll be what puts me in a spot to make it.»
Now would be Bedard's chance to prove he'd do anything to hold a spot on the 2026 Team Canada Olympic roster.
He just needs to impress GM Don Sweeney, who has a type, reluctantly, and it isn't Bedard's style if we're being honest.
This season, Bedard's been on fire for the Blackhawks, scoring 26 points (10-16) in 18 games for the team.
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