Connor Bedard has broken into superstardom in the NHL and he has been undeniable this season, but some continue to think he won't be on Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics. What more does he have to do? He is tied for fourth in the NHL in goals (19) and tied for fifth in the NHL in points (42) in 30 games.
Bedard has three more goals and 16 more points than the next closest player on the Chicago Blackhawks, and he's 20 years old. Not only does he more than deserve to be on Team Canada this season, it helps the team in the future, giving him experience at that level.
The TSN panel thinks Bedard does make the team and is on Connor McDavid's wing, but someone like Darren Dreger said, "I think everybody's just fascinated by, has Connor Bedard done enough to put himself in a healthy position to make the team? I don't think he has, I don't"
Bedard is in just his third year in the NHL, is a first overall pick, is leading his team, and is one of the future faces of Canada in hockey. While there are some strong players that he has to beat out, he deserves to be in a scoring role, so his defense doesn't have to be top notch. He is also much improved on defense than in his first two seasons and has learned to put in a real effort all over the ice, proving why he has turned into the player he has this season.
Bedard has proven he is good enough to be on Team Canada at the Olympics this season, and should make it. There will definitely be outrage if he doesn't.
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