Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks' rising star, found himself on the outside looking in as Team Canada settled for Silver at the Olympics. Despite a season that showcased his burgeoning talent, Bedard wasn't part of the roster, leaving the Blackhawks with just one Olympian, Teuvo Teravainen, who helped Team Finland secure Bronze with a victory over Slovakia.
At the start of the year, a few Blackhawks players were in the mix for Olympic consideration, but Teravainen was always the solid choice. Bedard, however, was a notable snub.
The young phenom, drafted first overall in 2023, began to emerge as the player Chicago envisioned. He was right in the thick of the scoring race alongside the likes of Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon before an injury temporarily sidelined him.
Bedard returned in time to make a strong case for Olympic inclusion, putting up numbers that screamed for attention.
Canada, known for its deep talent pool, could have fielded two competitive teams. Yet, they left Bedard off the roster.
His absence was felt, especially when Sidney Crosby went down with an injury. Bedard's offensive prowess and playmaking ability might have been the spark Canada needed as they navigated through two overtime thrillers in the quarter and semi-finals to reach the Gold Medal Game.
In the final, Canada managed just a single goal against Team USA's Connor Hellebuyck, with Jack Hughes netting the decisive overtime winner for the Americans. Interestingly, Bedard has had success against Hellebuyck in the NHL, scoring five times against the Winnipeg Jets' goalie. One can't help but wonder if Bedard could have been the difference-maker in that crucial game.
Back in Chicago, Bedard is likely channeling this experience into motivation. A proud competitor, he expressed a willingness to do whatever it took to don the Canadian jersey.
Though his next Olympic opportunity won't come until 2030 in France, Bedard has ample time to solidify his place as a top contender. Perhaps a spot in the World Cup of Hockey will offer him a taste of international play before then.
For Blackhawks fans, the wait for Bedard's Olympic debut might feel long, but his drive and determination suggest that his time will come, and it will be worth the wait.