The men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, is now just three months away, and the chatter has started to ramp up around the projected rosters for both Canada and the United States. Final decisions don’t have to be made until early January, but the latest rumors and speculation are quickly becoming the talk of the league.
According to a recent report, Chicago Blackhawks star center Connor Bedard is still on the outside looking in for Team Canada’s roster, despite a dazzling start to his third NHL season. Bedard currently sits tied for second in the NHL with 26 points through 16 games and is in the midst of a nine-game point streak, but that apparently hasn’t been enough to crack an Olympic spot.
With the Blackhawks playing a nationally televised game against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, the NHL on TNT panel got a chance to weigh in on Bedard’s chances of making Team Canada before the puck dropped at the United Center.
Bedard received high praise for his swift start to the year from none other than “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky. In fact, Gretzky believes that Bedard is “earning his way onto Team Canada” with how well he’s been playing for the Blackhawks.
Gretzky also mentioned that it’s getting to the point where it’s “hard to keep [Bedard] off the team”. Bedard has made notable improvements in all facets of his game this season, and hockey’s greatest player of all time is taking notice.
Hockey Canada should, too. While the 2025-26 campaign is still in the early stages, Bedard has clearly proved he’s becoming one of the premier players in the NHL. He’s right near the top of the league in most offensive categories, and more importantly, has led the Blackhawks to an 8-5-3 start with several dominant performances.
With Canada coming off a Gold Medal win at the 4Nations Face-Off in February, many of the forwards from that club are also projected to be part of the Olympic squad. There are reportedly as few as two and as many as five spots available in Canada’s forward group, and Bedard has played well enough to deserve one of those slots. Gretzky feels the same way.
For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now and like our Facebook Page.
Follow us on X: