Key Takeaways
- Connor Bedard’s injury may cause him to miss out on the initial Olympic roster for Team Canada
- Bedard’s impressive season had opened eyes, but it may not be enough to secure his spot on the team
- Team Canada has a few spots still up for grabs, with players like Macklin Celebrini, Tom Wilson, Bo Horvat, and Nick Suzuki in consideration
- The team’s management group is still debating some agonizing decisions, including whether to take Tom Wilson and Sam Bennett, or Brad Marchand
- 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer is putting together a convincing case to make the team, with Evan Bouchard also in the conversation
Introduction to the Olympic Roster Selection
The selection process for Team Canada’s Olympic roster is nearing its final stages, with the team’s management group set to reveal the roster in less than two weeks. One of the most surprising omissions from the initial roster may be Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks star centre who is currently on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Despite his impressive season, Bedard’s injury may have put his chances of making the team in jeopardy.
Connor Bedard’s Injury and Its Impact on His Olympic Chances
Bedard’s injury, which occurred with just 0.8 seconds left in a loss to the St. Louis Blues, has put a hold on his impressive third season in the league. He has 19 goals and 44 points in 31 games this season, which had put him on pace to blow past his career-best numbers. However, his injury may not have been enough to secure his spot on the Olympic team. According to TSN Hockey Insiders Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun, Bedard appears set to miss out on at least the initial roster for the 2026 Games.
The Selection Process and Remaining Spots
Team Canada’s management group has the majority of its roster set internally for the Olympics, but there are still a few spots up for grabs. The group had another call slated for Thursday night to discuss some of the agonizing decisions that they still have to make. Up front, players like Macklin Celebrini, Tom Wilson, Bo Horvat, and Nick Suzuki are in consideration. Celebrini and Wilson are considered close to locks, while Horvat and Suzuki are still in the mix. The team is also debating whether to take Tom Wilson and Sam Bennett, or Brad Marchand, who all bring their own level of spice to the roster.
Defensive Players in Consideration
On defence, 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer is putting together a convincing case to make the team. Schaefer has nine goals and 23 points in 34 games while averaging 23:48 of ice time in his rookie season. Evan Bouchard has also picked up his production after a slow start with the Edmonton Oilers to put himself in the conversation. According to LeBrun, it is a real possibility that Schaefer makes the team, although it’s not a slam dunk. The team is also considering whether to take the same eight defencemen that played at 4 Nations, which includes Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Shea Theodore, Josh Morrissey, Drew Doughty, Colton Parayko, and Travis Sanheim.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The selection process for Team Canada’s Olympic roster is nearing its final stages, with the team’s management group set to reveal the roster in less than two weeks. While Connor Bedard’s injury may have put his chances of making the team in jeopardy, there are still several other players in consideration for the remaining spots. The team’s management group is still debating some agonizing decisions, including whether to take Tom Wilson and Sam Bennett, or Brad Marchand. With the Olympic Games just around the corner, the final roster selection will be eagerly anticipated by hockey fans across Canada.
