Connor Bedard Excluded from Team Canada at 4 Nations Tournament

CHICAGO — The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament has taken the place of the NHL All-Star weekend with thrilling competition among Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the USA. However, the absence of Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard from Team Canada’s roster has drawn significant attention.

Bedard, widely regarded as a generational talent and the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, had a promising rookie season. He scored 22 goals and added 39 assists in 68 games, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy for best rookie. Yet, this season has proven challenging, with only 16 goals and 33 assists in 55 games, prompting questions about his performance.

Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney highlighted Bedard’s ongoing development as a key reason for his exclusion. “The experiences he’s going to go through are important,” Sweeney said, emphasizing the learning curve young players face. “He’s working through that in a situation where he gets all the attention possible from the best players.”

Despite not being on the roster for the tournament, Bedard remains hopeful for future opportunities, particularly in the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Italy. “You always want to play for your country,” Bedard remarked. “I’m just kind of watching and seeing the little things in how they play and that helps.”

Since a coaching change in Chicago, where Anders Sorensen replaced Luke Richardson, Bedard has shown signs of improvement. He has scored 11 goals and accumulated 30 points in the last 29 games. This shift in production provides optimism for his continued development as he approaches future international competitions.

The 4 Nations tournament has reignited interest in hockey, with intense games and national pride on full display, exemplified in the fierce match between the USA and Canada. Bedard, observing from the sidelines, noted, “It’s been unreal. It’s probably been the highest level of hockey ever played.” His excitement illustrates the stakes and aspirations of young players eager for a chance to represent their countries.

Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic, who aspires to play for Team USA in the Olympics, felt a surge of motivation watching the tournament. “I can’t imagine what it was like to be playing in it,” Vlasic said, reflecting on the pride involved in donning a national jersey.

Players like Bedard, Kurashev, and Vlasic understand that while this tournament serves as a significant opportunity, they will have more chances to showcase their talent in the years to come. With the international calendar now aiming for regular events, including the World Cup and Olympics, the path is set for players to achieve their dreams.