Connor Bedard’s Olympic Heartbreak: Canada Snubs Blackhawks Star Amid Injury Recovery
Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks’ star forward, has been left off Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. The decision comes as the 19-year-old recovers from an upper-body injury sustained in December, leaving his club team, the Blackhawks, struggling in his absence.
Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has been sidelined since December 12, 2023, after a collision during a game against the St. Louis Blues. He returned to the ice for the first time on December 18, skating lightly but avoiding shots on goal. His progress will be reassessed later this month before any decision on his return to play.
At the time of his injury, Bedard led the Blackhawks with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in just 31 games. Over his career, he has amassed 172 points (64 goals, 108 assists) in 181 games, establishing himself as a key offensive and defensive player. Coach Jeff Blashill has praised his two-way ability, arguing he deserved a spot on the Olympic team. Team Canada, however, opted for other players, including Macklin Celebrini, Bo Horvat, Nick Suzuki, and Tom Wilson, without publicly explaining Bedard’s exclusion. The Blackhawks have since gone 1-6-1 without him, highlighting his impact on the team’s performance.
Bedard’s Olympic absence leaves Team Canada without one of its most dynamic young talents. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, though his eventual return could provide a much-needed boost for the Blackhawks. For now, both club and country will monitor his progress closely.
