NHL News: Connor Bedard, Brad Marchand given chance to shine with Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon

With the NHL allowing their players to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics, Team Canada has the chance to assemble a star-studded roster in pursuit of the gold medal. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon have already been selected, but there are still many spots open. Connor Bedard and Brad Marchand will have an opportunity to make the cut.

Both the Chicago Blackhawks sensation and the Florida Panthers veteran were invited to Canada’s orientation camp which will decide the country’s 25-man roster for the 2026 Games, to be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy in February.

The camp, to be held from August 26-28 in Calgary, will include a total of 42 NHL players, including those who were already named to the Canadian roster for Milano Cortina 2026.

Apart from Crosby, MacKinnon, and McDavid, Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point, Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart, and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar were also selected for the Olympic team.

Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins during the third period of the Bruins home opener at TD Garden on October 11, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Bedard and Marchand among countless Canadian stars in contention for the Olympics

Bedard and Marchand present two different types of candidates for the roster, with the Blackhawks gem offering youth and potential for a team that won’t lack in veteran players, whereas the Panthers star could add to the locker room’s experience. Marchand would also bring his winning mentality, having recently won the Stanley Cup for the second time in his decorated career.

However, they will probably need to bring their A-game as Canada’s orientation camp will gather countless NHL stars. In fact, 22 of the invitees already helped Canada succeed with their 4 Nations Face-Off win in February.

For instance, Marchand’s Panthers teammate Sam Bennett―who was among Canada’s scorers alongside MacKinnon and McDavid in the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Team USA―will also fight for a spot in the Olympics.

Bedard won’t be the only young player looking to stand out, with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini also invited to the camp. We’ll have to wait and see whether one of these No. 1 picks ultimately earn a spot. Now let’s take a look at all 42 NHL players invited to Canada’s orientation camp in August.

Canada’s orientation camp roster

Forwards:

Connor Bedard, Chicago BlackhawksSam Bennett, Florida PanthersQuinton Byfield, Los Angeles KingsMacklin Celebrini, San Jose SharksAnthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay LightningSidney Crosby, Pittsburgh PenguinsBrandon Hagel, Tampa Bay LightningBo Horvat, New York IslandersZach Hyman, Edmonton OilersSeth Jarvis, Carolina HurricanesWyatt Johnston, Dallas StarsTravis Konecny, Philadelphia FlyersNathan MacKinnon, Colorado AvalancheBrad Marchand, Florida PanthersMitch Marner, Vegas Golden KnightsConnor McDavid, Edmonton OilersRyan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton OilersBrayden Point, Tampa Bay LightningSam Reinhart, Florida PanthersMark Scheifele, Winnipeg JetsMark Stone, Vegas Golden KnightsNick Suzuki, Montreal CanadiensJohn Tavares, Toronto Maple LeafsRobert Thomas, St. Louis BluesCarter Verhaeghe, Florida PanthersTom Wilson, Washington Capitals

Connor Bedard in action with the Blackhawks (left) and Brad Marchand during a game with the Panthers.

Defensemen:

Evan Bouchard, Edmonton OilersNoah Dobson, Montreal CanadiensDrew Doughty, Los Angeles KingsAaron Ekblad, Florida PanthersThomas Harley, Dallas StarsCale Makar, Colorado AvalancheBrandon Montour, Seattle KrakenJosh Morrissey, Winnipeg JetsColton Parayko, St. Louis BluesTravis Sanheim, Philadelphia FlyersShea Theodore, Vegas Golden KnightsDevon Toews, Colorado AvalancheMacKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames

Goalies:

Jordan Binnington, St. Louis BluesAdin Hill, Vegas Golden KnightsSam Montembeault, Montreal CanadiensThe 2026 Winter Olympics are drawing nearer

The men’s ice hockey event at the 2026 Winter Olympics will kick off with preliminary games on February 11. The road to the final will take little more than a week, with the gold medal game set for February 22.

With NHL players allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014, it will be interesting to see whether Team Canada’s pool of talent proves enough to emerge victorious.

SurveyWill Marchand and Bedard make the cut?

Will Marchand and Bedard make the cut?

Teams usually take 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies to the Olympics. Needless to say, Canada doesn’t lack in strong options to complete its roster.

Martin O’Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website’s growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.