Connor Bedard isn't getting enough praise for what he has been able to do as a 20-year-old on this Chicago Blackhawks team that is relatively similar to last season.
Sure, Frank Nazar has come in and stepped up, so have Artyom Levshunov and Andre Burakovsky, but overall, Bedard is the clear-cut best player and is carrying the offence. His defensive game might not be elite, but not every player chosen for the Olympic squad is going to be a Selke Trophy nominee.
Bedard is tied for third in the entire NHL in points with Macklin Celebrini, another young stud who should make the team. They sit behind only Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, the elite of the elite. Bedard's offense speaks volumes, especially given the situation in Chicago and expectations coming in.
He might not have the size, but when compared to someone like Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, Seth Jarvis, or Travis Konecny, Bedard's skill shines through. It's not only about having him on the team for the future, but he's good enough for the present team. There are different roles for everyone.
Chris Johnston said, "I still think if the roster had to be chosen today...he would not be on the team."
John Cooper as the head coach and Doug Armstrong as the general manager will definitely play a part as Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues players will get some priority, like Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Point, Colton Parayko, Jordan Binnington, and maybe even Robert Thomas. But this can't be a similar situation to what has been happening at the World Juniors. Bring the best players or when Canada loses, it will look even worse.
Some of the returning players who will be fighting to be on the team again include Mark Stone, Hagel, Cirelli, Konecny, Jarvis, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand, but then there are the other top options that didn't make the squad at the 4 Nations Faceoff that include Mark scheifele, Nick Suzuki, Tom Wilson, Bedard, Celebrini, Thomas, Wyatt Johnston, Mathew Barzal, John Tavares, and Quinton Byfield.
If Bedard continues playing like he has this season leading up to the official Olympic Team Canada selection, there will be a lot of noise if the former first overall pick isn't a part of the team.
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