Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Blashill Defends Bedard After Team Canada Leaves Him Off Initial 2026 Olympic Roster

Team Canada left open the possibility of an injury replacement if Bedard's recovery continues.

Overview

  • Bedard has 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games, averaging 1.42 points per game for the NHL’s fifth-best rate.
  • Chicago went 13-12-6 with Bedard and 1-6-1 since his Dec. 12 shoulder injury landed him on injured reserve.
  • Coach Jeff Blashill described Bedard as a “two-way, winning hockey player” and questioned whether defensive metrics capture his impact.
  • GM Doug Armstrong said the injury was not a significant factor and that Bedard remained under consideration until the final cut.
  • Team Canada selected 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, indicating youth was not disqualifying, while Bedard has resumed skating and could return this month.