Connor Bedard Withdraws From Team Canada for 2026 World Championship

Chicago is steering his offseason toward full recovery from a midseason shoulder injury.

Overview

Elliotte Friedman said Friday on X that Bedard will skip the IIHF Worlds to focus on shoulder rehab for next NHL season.
The 20-year-old hurt his shoulder on Dec. 12, 2025, after a faceoff against the Blues and missed 12 games before returning.
He still posted 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games under coach Jeff Blashill and earned an alternate captain role in March.
Canada enters the May 15–31 tournament in Zurich and Fribourg without one of its top young forwards.
The move continues a recent trend of Bedard prioritizing recovery in the offseason, which opens a roster spot for Canada and aligns with the Blackhawks’ long-term plan.