The Chicago Blackhawks once had a roster filled with Olympic athletes during the last Olympic Games. However, things are changing for the 2025-2026 season, as the NHL will finally take a break to allow players to participate in the Italian Winter Olympics.
One player eager to make Team Canada’s Olympic roster is Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard. His inclusion would signal a strong start to his season and confirm that he is the highly marketable talent many anticipated when he was the top overall pick in 2023.
While Bedard did not make Team Canada’s roster for the Four Nations tournament last season—likely not even close to the top selections—his immense potential keeps hopes alive for his Olympic chances.
On Wednesday, Canada announced its roster for the 2026 Olympic Orientation Camp scheduled for August, and Bedard has been invited to attend.
He will be joined by other rising stars such as Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings and MacLin Secreni of the San Jose Sharks. Veteran stars like Sidney Crosby, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, Kale McCarr, and Nathan MacKinnon are also part of the team, continuing Canada’s tradition of strong Olympic representation.
Canada remains one of the favorites to win Olympic gold, and having Bedard on the cusp of the roster highlights the incredible depth in Canadian hockey talent.
As the NHL offseason winds down, this camp is a valuable opportunity for Bedard to grow by learning alongside some of the game’s all-time greats.
Bedard chose to skip the IIHF World Championship earlier in the offseason, perhaps to focus on proving his value to Hockey Canada. It will be up to his performance during the camp and his contributions to the Blackhawks to demonstrate that he can be a key asset for Team Canada.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for hockey fans because it signals the emergence of a generational talent in Connor Bedard who could shape the future of Canadian hockey on the world stage. His participation in the Olympics alongside established stars could mark a thrilling new chapter for the sport, inspiring fans and young players alike.
