Welcome back to Olympics and NHL Rumours, as we continue our targeted discussion on the Team Canada forward group. The competition has really gotten fierce now. Moreover, we know there are only two-to-three open spots available for players to claim. Rosters will be in for December 31st, 2025. So, let’s figure out what it all means for Canadian hockey at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Olympics and NHL Rumours and Making the Case for Connor Bedard
Rumour: From recent 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas have been discussing Team Canada. Furthermore, we will focus on the topic of the fact Connor Bedard deserves to make the team.
Analysis: In some ways, it’s not very difficult to make the argument he should make it. Essentially, the only real arguments against him is he’s young and has possible gaps in his defensive game.
Before we get into the player debate, recently all the chatter has been on the rink. Regarding it, the talk has shifted from the quality of the ice, not the size of the surface. Moreover, the players have indicated they aren’t too worried about the shorter ice surface. There have been similar situations previously, and the neutral zone tends to be adjusted accordingly. However, the quality of the ice itself has been put into question. The Olympics are only just under two months away. There will be tune up for the event, but either way the timeline is tight. We do think it all comes together.
But what are we really here to talk about? The players, the Team Canada roster, and who has the rights reserved to those crucial final roster spots.
At this point in time, it seems like Connor Bedard is the people’s choice.
As Friedman spun it, “Whatever ‘it’ is, Bedard got it right now.”
One specific example for precedence with Bedard, is from the 2014 Sochi Olympics. That go around, the fans wanted to see P.K. Subban. Friedman revealed, it even became a point of discussion amongst management selecting the squad. At the time of selecting that team, Subban was third in league scoring among defencemen.
Subban and the 2014 Canadian Olympic Team
What was so notable for the 2014 team in particular, was the group of defence that were selected. That was a legendary group of blueliners. It included the likes of Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, and Shea Weber. As Friedman put it, they were what could be described as the most clinical and detailed-oriented. Not even just among the defence, as that was a time in the NHL when scoring was down. But the effect was amplified for the defence. So, just like the competition and skill was so important for the defence in 2014, it is likewise that way for the 2026 forward group. As we have alluded to, up to eight players are battling for two spots on forward. So, besides his wow factor, what else makes Bedard a good choice?
Bedard Making his Case the Best he Can
There is one argument that works well for Bedard. For Canadian Olympic fans, we all know the trepidation they have regarding shootouts. You have to look no further than the 1998 Nagano, semi-final loss to Dominik Hasek and the team from Czechia. We have seen from his work, that Bedard excels at the shootout. In other words, he would be a real weapon for Canada in those situations.
What about looking at it from the opposite side of the coin. If you were head coach Jon Cooper, and had to explain why Bedard wasn’t on the team. Or wouldn’t it have been nice to have him available, say for a shootout.
The very interesting and delicate thing is the team itself. Just check out the scoring leader board. Of the top-nine Canadian forwards in league scoring right now, only Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid will make the team. The other seven of the nine are those bubble guys. However, Bedard’s 40 points has him fourth in the entire NHL.
League Rank – Top Canadian Forwards – Points
- – 1 – MacKinnon – 49
- – 2 – Celebrini – 43
- – 3 – McDavid – 42
- – 4 – Bedard – 40
- T10- Scheifele – 36
- T14- Johnston – 34
- T18- Geekie – 32
- T18- Suzuki – 32
- T18- Wilson – 32
Besides the scoring and the obvious skill, Bedard is a great choice. He has been working on his complete game. For example, his work in the faceoff dots has improved this year. Additionally, we know he has the physical strength, as he is a noted gym going guy. That is furthered by his incredible wrist shot, release, power, and accuracy. That’s not to mention he is a winner, as he helped Canada claim not one, but two World Junior Championships.
Who Gets the Spots
When it comes down to it, we have discussed a few of the guys looking for the final Team Canada Olympic roster spots. We had previously mentioned Tom Wilson, and he’s a definite front-runner. As we see, Macklin Celebrini is currently second in NHL scoring. Plus, he’s fast, and is a well-rounded player, in terms of two-way play. Bedard is more experienced at this point, and we like his game. Nothing is decided yet, but we like Wilson and Bedard as leaders of the pack, today.
Connor Bedard on the Canadian Olympic roster debate:
“Obviously, I want to be there, and everyone wants to be there. But there’s so many great players in Canada. They could make two teams and both would compete… I’m excited to see what ends up shaking out.”
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) December 7, 2025
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
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