Team Canada is one of the most exciting rosters heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics. One of the biggest question marks would be if Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard would be selected. However, when the roster was announced, Bedard’s name was left off the list. One major decision maker for the Olympic team answered a major question regarding why he was left off the roster. Let’s take a closer look at why the young star did not make Team Canada’s initial roster.
Team Canada general manager reveals injury didn’t keep Connor Bedard off the roster
Following the announcement of the Team Canada roster, general manager Doug Armstrong would do a Q&A with TSN. When asked about if Bedard’s injury was factored into the decision to keep him off the Team Canada roster, Armstrong revealed his injury did not play much of a part in missing the team.
“Not a lot, quiet honestly. His name was right there until the last second, because we could’ve named him [to Team Canada] and then move forward. But I think the reality is, there are so many good players and we just had difficult decisions to make.”
Bedard has been dealing with an upper-body injury since Dec. 4 and was placed on Injured Reserve. However, he did not need surgery. Bedard has showcased is talents throughout the season as in 31 games, he has recorded 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) with 13 of those points being on the power play. However, in Year 3, Bedard has been left off the initial roster. This does not mean he will not be part of Team Canada though, as he can be one of the players as an injury replacement if that is how Armstrong decides the roster to be.
It will be intriguing to see how Bedard officially reacts to the news and what this means going forward. He returned to the ice a few days ago, but has no timetable to return at this time. If he does not get on the roster as an injury replacement, he will have to wait until 2030 in Nice, France.
Jeff Blashill makes his feeling known about Connor Bedard being left of Team Canada roster
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