Key Takeaways
- Connor Bedard, one of the NHL’s most promising offensive players, was left off Team Canada’s initial Olympic roster
- Bedard is among the list of injury replacements being considered for Canada
- The Blackhawks forward is focusing on improving his game and making a strong return from a shoulder injury
- Bedard participated in his first practice on Tuesday since suffering the injury and is pushing to make his return to the ice
- Bedard believes that it is up to him to remain in the conversation for a spot on Team Canada’s roster
Introduction to the Situation
The return of NHL players to the Olympics was always going to make roster decisions difficult, and Team Canada had plenty of tough choices to make, with Connor Bedard being one of the notable players left off the initial roster. Bedard, the former first-overall pick, has been impressive this season, with 19 goals and 44 points in 31 games, showcasing his skills as one of the NHL’s most promising offensive players. However, the competition to make Canada’s roster was fierce, and Bedard ultimately fell short of making the cut.
Bedard’s Reaction to Being Left Off the Roster
Despite being left off the initial roster, Bedard is not dwelling on the disappointment. Instead, he is focusing on the positive aspects of the situation, using it as an opportunity to reflect on his game and identify areas for improvement. In a statement to reporters, Bedard expressed his thoughts on the situation, saying, "I think the positive I’ve taken out of this is I get to look at my game and, ‘Where can I improve?’ When you don’t meet an expectation or meet one of your goals, I think the only thing to do is look in the mirror and see where you can get better. That’s an exciting opportunity for me." This mindset demonstrates Bedard’s maturity and dedication to his craft, as he seeks to use this experience as a chance to grow and develop as a player.
Bedard’s Road to Recovery
Bedard’s road to recovery from a shoulder injury has been a significant focus for the young forward. He suffered the injury on December 12 and has been labelled as day-to-day. However, he took a significant step towards his return by participating in his first practice on Tuesday since suffering the injury. This milestone marks an important step in Bedard’s rehabilitation, and he is now pushing to make his return to the ice. As he works towards his return, Bedard is aware that he needs to perform at a high level to remain in the conversation for a spot on Team Canada’s roster.
Remaining in the Conversation
Bedard believes that it is up to him to ensure he remains in the conversation for a spot on Team Canada’s roster. He acknowledged that the players’ performance on the ice ultimately dictates the team’s roster decisions, saying, "At the end of the day, the players pick the team. How you play… obviously, I was playing well, but, of course, I want to make it where there’s no choice. That’s not on who’s picking the team; that’s on the players." This mindset demonstrates Bedard’s understanding of the situation and his commitment to taking control of his own destiny. By focusing on his performance and continually improving his game, Bedard is putting himself in the best possible position to be considered for a spot on Team Canada’s roster.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, Connor Bedard’s omission from Team Canada’s initial Olympic roster was a difficult pill to swallow, but the young forward is using the experience as an opportunity to grow and develop as a player. As he works towards his return from a shoulder injury, Bedard is focused on improving his game and making a strong case for himself to be considered for a spot on the team. With his sights set on the Olympics and a strong desire to represent his country, Bedard is poised to make a significant impact on the ice. As he continues to work towards his goals, it will be exciting to see how Bedard’s journey unfolds and whether he will ultimately earn a spot on Team Canada’s roster.