Blackhawks Quiet on the Ice, Loud in the Headlines During Olympic Break
It’s a rare kind of week for the Chicago Blackhawks - no games on the calendar, but plenty of buzz off the ice. With the NHL officially on pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the United Center might be dark, but the headlines haven’t stopped rolling.
And at the center of it all? Connor Bedard.
Bedard Left Off Team Canada: A Snub That’s Making Noise
Let’s get right to it - the biggest story in Chicago hockey right now is the one that’s not happening: Connor Bedard won’t be skating for Team Canada in the Olympics.
Despite putting together a strong sophomore campaign - nearly a point-per-game pace and showing flashes of the generational talent he was projected to be - Bedard didn’t make the final cut for Canada’s Olympic roster. And when an injury opened a late roster spot (with Brayden Point ruled out), the call went to Carolina’s Seth Jarvis instead.
Team Canada leaned on Jarvis’s two-way game as the deciding factor, opting for defensive versatility over Bedard’s offensive upside. It’s a decision that’s sparked plenty of debate - especially north of the border, where Bedard was expected to be a centerpiece of the next wave of Canadian stars.
For Blackhawks fans, it stings. This was supposed to be Bedard’s coming-out party on the international senior stage - a chance to show the world what Chicago sees every night. Instead, he’ll be watching from home.
Teuvo Teravainen: Holding Down the Olympic Fort for Chicago
While Bedard stays back, one Blackhawk will be flying the flag overseas. Teuvo Teravainen is representing Team Finland, and he’s not going alone - he’ll be reunited with former Hurricanes linemate Sebastian Aho, giving Finnish fans (and some nostalgic Carolina fans) something to smile about.
Teravainen’s presence gives Chicago at least one rooting interest in the Olympic tournament, and with Finland looking like a legit medal threat, don’t be surprised if he plays a key role in their run.
Trade Deadline Looms: Buyers, Sellers, or Somewhere in Between?
With the Olympic break providing a natural pause in the season, the Blackhawks’ front office is using this window to map out their approach to the March 6 trade deadline. And make no mistake - it’s a pivotal one.
Chicago is sitting just outside the wild card picture, trailing teams like the San Jose Sharks. It’s a murky spot - close enough to dream, but far enough to justify selling. That’s left management weighing two very different paths.
On one hand, there’s the option to move pending free agents like Connor Murphy or Nick Foligno, turning short-term contracts into long-term assets. On the other, there’s growing chatter that the Hawks could look to add players with term - not just rentals - to start building a more stable core around Bedard now, rather than waiting for another offseason.
If the right deal presents itself, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chicago act more aggressively than expected. The front office knows the clock has already started on Bedard’s prime, and surrounding him with the right pieces sooner rather than later could accelerate the rebuild.
Olympic Watch: When to Catch Teravainen and Team Finland
Even without Blackhawks hockey this week, fans still have something to circle on the calendar. Teravainen and Team Finland will be in action during the Olympic preliminary round, and here’s when you can catch them:
- Feb. 11: Slovakia vs.
Finland - 10:40 a.m. EST
- Feb. 13: Finland vs.
Sweden - 6:10 a.m. EST
- Feb. 14: Finland vs.
Italy - 10:40 a.m. EST
Whether you’re watching to support Teravainen or just looking to get your hockey fix during the NHL pause, those games should deliver.
So while the Blackhawks may be on break, the storylines certainly aren’t. From Bedard’s Olympic snub to looming trade deadline decisions, Chicago’s front office - and its fanbase - have plenty to think about before the puck drops again.