Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard won’t represent Canada on the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, with the choice centered on recovery from a shoulder injury sustained in the course of the NHL season, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Friday morning.
The 20-year-old, suffered the injury on Dec. 12, 2025, in a game against the St. Louis Blues after a faceoff, forcing him to miss 12 games. He later returned to motion but was not fully recovered for the rest of the season. Amid the setback, he still produced career-best numbers, recording 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games in the course of the 2025-26 campaign. On the time of his injury, he was among the many league’s leading scorers and was tracking toward nearly 100 points over a full 82-game season.
Bedard wanted to affix Team Canada for the tournament in Switzerland (May 15–31), but was advised that continuing rehabilitation could be one of the best course to make sure full fitness for the 2026-27 NHL season, in line with Friedman. The choice follows an identical approach last summer, when Bedard also skipped international play to deal with strength, conditioning, and skating development, an offseason that contributed to noticeable improvements in his speed and overall game.
Chicago has several other young players set to take part in the tournament, including Oliver Moore, Anton Frondell, and Wyatt Kaiser. Moore can also be expected to compete for Team USA. Meanwhile, Canada’s roster will still feature notable names corresponding to Macklin Celebrini, Gavin McKenna, Mark Scheifele, Mathew Barzal, and Morgan Rielly.
Bedard has recently been training in Florida alongside Moore, continuing his offseason program as he works toward recovery and preparation for the Blackhawks next season.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard won’t represent Canada on the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, with the choice centered on recovery from a shoulder injury sustained in the course of the NHL season, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Friday morning. The 20-year-old, suffered the injury on Dec.