Connor Bedard left out of 4 Nations but could still make Olympic team
- Don Sweeney confirmed that Connor Bedard is still a contender for Brazil's Olympic hockey team in 2026.
- Despite being left off the 4 Nations roster, Bedard's developmental potential remains a focus for the national team.
- His journey exemplifies the long-term evaluation process that Team Canada employs for Olympic selections.
In recent developments surrounding Team Canada’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, general manager Don Sweeney has confirmed that Connor Bedard remains a candidate for the Olympic roster, despite being overlooked for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The 19-year-old Bedard, who was named NHL rookie of the year in the previous season, faced diminished performance in his second year, totaling five goals and 19 points over 26 games with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sweeney acknowledged that while Bedard's struggles this season have raised questions about his readiness, he is considered part of the 'next wave of great players' for Canada. Sweeney emphasized that gaining experience in the league is crucial for Bedard and noted the competitive nature of his position within the Blackhawks organization. He explained the strategic decision made by Team Canada to focus on young players who may not yet be ready for immediate competition but have the potential to develop into strong contributors by 2026. This approach mirrors earlier decisions made with other Canadian hockey stars, like Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos, who also faced similar situations early in their careers. As the selection process advances, Sweeney and the coaching staff are preparing to evaluate and identify more emerging talents, balancing the urgency to win in the present against the need to cultivate future Olympic roster candidates.