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Wayne Gretzky hints at Connor Bedard's fate with Team Canada in latest statement
Photo credit: NHL.com
Wayne Gretzky, the best NHL player of all time, said that he's impressed by Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard and that he could make Team Canada at the Olympics.
It's never a bad thing when your strong play attracts the attention of the best player in NHL history, but that's what Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard has managed to do.
Bedard has been impressive for the Blackhawks so far this year, and he's caught the attention of Wayne Gretzky, who labeled his play as "spectacular" and also said that he's increasing his chances of making Canada's roster for the 2026 Olympics.
He's been absolutely spectacular. It's such a pleasure to see because coming into this league at 18, you [have] all this pressure on you, you [have] all of this focus on you, you're not a very good team, you're a young team, you're rebuilding. He was front and center; he didn't back away from anybody or shy away from the media. For him to work as hard as he did in the off-season to come in and play at the level he's playing at now, he's earning his way onto Team Canada.
Bedard scored during Wednesday's 4-3 OT loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Connor Bedard Is Off To The Best Start Of His Career
So far this year for the Blackhawks, Bedard has 26 points (10G, 16A) and is on pace to establish new career-bests in both goals and assists.
It's also a contract year for Bedard, and the more he's able to accomplish this year, the higher he's driving up his price.
Right now, Bedard has helped the Blackhawks to a strong start to the season, encouraging hope of a possible return to the playoffs for what would be the 1st time since 2020.
He's also been very outspoken in his desire to make Canada's roster for the Olympics after being snubbed for the 4 Nations Faceoff.
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