Connor Bedard still behind Macklin Celebrini in race for team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster

Connor Bedard is off to a brilliant start in his third NHL season with the Chicago Blackhawks, proving once again why he’s one of the brightest young stars in hockey. Through 16 games, the 20-year-old center has already collected 25 points (7 goals, 18 assists), placing him in a tie for second in the NHL scoring race.

Connor Bedard is also riding an eight-game point streak, during which he’s tallied seven goals and 11 assists — all primary helpers — while helping the Blackhawks to an 8-5-3 record, their best start since 2016–17.

Yet despite his impressive production and visible improvement in all areas of his game, it appears that Bedard may not be on Team Canada’s projected roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun, Bedard is currently viewed as being “on the outside looking in,” falling just behind another young Canadian standout, Macklin Celebrini, in the eyes of Canada’s management.

Connor Bedard’s Olympic chances take a hit

Team Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong, is expected to bring 14 forwards to Italy next February. With so many established NHL superstars available, competition for those final roster spots is fierce. So far, five forwards have already been named to the team: Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart.

Joining them are players who represented Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, such as Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand, Brandon Hagel, and Sam Bennett, all of whom are expected to cut. Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights is also a near-lock if healthy, despite currently being sidelined with a wrist injury. That already leaves just a handful of openings in Canada’s forward group.

Among those competing for the remaining spots are Seth Jarvis, Anthony Cirelli, Travis Konecny, Nick Suzuki, Mark Scheifele, Tom Wilson, Wyatt Johnston, Robert Thomas, and, of course, Connor Bedard. While Bedard’s numbers and highlight-reel plays make a strong case for inclusion, the debate centers around team balance and experience.

According to Johnston and LeBrun, the young forward currently sits in a “second tier” of contenders, behind Celebrini, who has made a strong case for himself after a breakout showing at the 2025 World Championship and an excellent start to his rookie season with the San Jose Sharks. Celebrini, just 18 years old, has 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 16 games and brings a more defensively responsible match — something that might give him the edge in Canada’s bottom-six forward slots.

Canada’s management reportedly views the decision between Bedard and Celebrini as an “either-or” scenario. While Bedard offers elite offensive instincts, Celebrini’s versatility and ability to play in multiple roles could make him a safer choice for a tournament expected to feature what many call a “grown-man’s game.”

Connor Bedard keeps evolving and deserves consideration

While Team Canada’s depth is historically stacked, Connor Bedard’s growth this season makes a compelling argument for why he should be on the Olympic roster. Once viewed strictly as an offensive player, Bedard has significantly improved his two-way game. His defensive reads, forechecking pressure, and puck awareness have all made significant strides forward.

He’s also shown noticeable improvement in the faceoff circle, now winning 46.7 percent of his draws — a meaningful leap from the sub-39 percent rate he posted in each of his first two seasons. His commitment to both ends of the ice was perfectly showcased in his highlight-reel goal against the Calgary Flames, where he turned a defensive play into a dazzling solo rush that ended with the puck in the back of the net.

Bedard has also displayed a new level of toughness and composure. He’s been more assertive in scrums, showing he’s not afraid to push back despite being smaller than most opponents. “He’s not going to take any s**t,” as Bedard himself put it earlier this year — a mindset that fits perfectly with the gritty, competitive tone of Olympic hockey.

Still, as strong as his case is, the decision may come down to timing and roster makeup. With so many established veterans ahead of him and younger stars like Celebrini surging, Bedard may simply fall victim to Canada’s overwhelming forward depth.

Even so, Bedard’s Olympic exclusion — if it happens — should not be seen as a slight. He’s only 20 years old and already producing at an elite level while rounding out his overall game. If he keeps this pace, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a fixture on Team Canada for years to come.

For now, Connor Bedard’s focus remains on leading the Chicago Blackhawks to continued success. His eight-game point streak, growing maturity, and team-first mentality have already set the tone for a franchise on the rise.

Whether or not he makes the trip to Milan next February, Bedard’s progression this season has been undeniable. He’s proving not only that he can dominate offensively but that he’s evolving into a complete, responsible, and fearless player.

If Canada does leave him off the 2026 Olympic roster, there’s little doubt they’ll have a tough time doing so again in the future — because Connor Bedard’s star power is only getting stronger.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/connor-bedard-team-canada-2026-olympic-roster-chicago-blackhawks