Connor Bedard Hopes to Play for Canada in Future Tournaments

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Connor Bedard is no stranger to playing for Canada on the international stage, but this time around, he is watching the 4 Nations Face-Off as a spectator. The Blackhawks forward was back on the ice with his team at practice and like many, couldn't help but be in awe of the level of competition being played. The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament has been extremely well received, with Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the USA competing in a round-robin tournament. The action has been exciting, but there has been a glaring missing piece in the event - Connor Bedard is not part of the tournament and wasn't added to Team Canada's roster.

Bedard was a highly touted prospect and was considered a generational player when Chicago took him first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. He started his professional career largely looking like the player he was supposed to be, playing in 68 games and finishing with 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 total points. This effort was good enough to earn him the 2023-2024 Calder Memorial Trophy winner that goes to the best rookie in the league. However, Bedard has played in 55 games this season with 16 goals, 33 assists, and 49 points, which is a significant drop in production compared to his rookie season. Some of his key statistics include:

• 22 goals in 68 games during his rookie season
• 61 points in 68 games during his rookie season
• 16 goals in 55 games this season
• 49 points in 55 games this season

Canadian team manager Don Sweeney said that the second-year center just isn't ready yet to push the more experienced players from Team Canada's roster. Despite being highly talented coming into the draft, there is still room for him to develop. If he can get back on track by the time the Olympic roster is due, he could certainly represent Team Canada in the 2026 Olympics in Italy. The Olympics will provide a great opportunity for Bedard to showcase his skills and play for his country. Bedard has seen an improvement in production since Chicago made a coaching change, with 11 goals and 30 points in 29 games since Anders Sorensen replaced Luke Richardson. This improvement is a positive sign for Bedard's future, and he will look to continue to build on this momentum.

Bedard will get another chance to play for Canada when NHL players return to the Olympics in 2026, and seeing the competition at the 4 Nations has certainly provided some motivation for him. He always wants to play for his country, and watching the 4 Nations Face-Off as a fan has given him a new perspective on the game. Bedard is just kind of watching and seeing the little things in how they play, and that helps. The NHL is a highly competitive league, and Bedard will need to continue to work hard and develop his skills if he wants to succeed. With his talent and dedication, Bedard has a bright future ahead of him, and he will likely be a key player for Team Canada in the years to come.

In conclusion, Connor Bedard is a talented young player who has a lot to offer. Although he is not playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off, he will have other opportunities to play for Canada in the future. With his improvement in production since the coaching change and his motivation to play for his country, Bedard is sure to be a key player in the NHL for years to come. His statistics and performance will be closely watched, and he will look to continue to build on his success. Some of his upcoming games and tournaments include:

1. Remaining games in the 2023-2024 NHL season
2. 2026 Olympics in Italy
3. Future NHL seasons and tournaments