As of 15 February 2026, the hockey world is focused on the return of Chicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard following a significant injury layoff and his notable absence from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Return to the Blackhawks Lineup
After missing 12 games due to a right shoulder injury, Bedard officially returned to the Chicago lineup on Friday night against the Washington Capitals. While the Blackhawks suffered a 5-1 defeat, the 20-year-old centre’s return is a vital boost for a Chicago team currently navigating the later stages of its rebuild. Before the injury, Bedard had been enjoying a productive 2025-26 campaign, tallying 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points in the regular season thus far.
His return has forced roster adjustments in Chicago, including the reassignment of Nick Lardis to accommodate the star forward’s presence on the top line alongside Andre Burakovsky and Ryan Greene.
The Olympic Snub
One of the most discussed storylines in Canadian sports this month is Bedard’s omission from Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster. Despite his status as a generational talent, Hockey Canada officials, including Doug Armstrong, indicated that while Bedard was “on the radar until the end,” he was ultimately passed over in favour of more veteran depth and the surging Macklin Celebrini.
The decision has sparked significant debate across the country, especially as Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby recently commented on the different roles young players like Celebrini and Bedard play within the national program’s current structure. With Bedard staying in North America, teammate Teuvo Teravainen (Finland) remains the lone Blackhawks representative in the Olympic tournament.
Career Milestones and Honours
Despite the Olympic disappointment, Bedard’s legacy continues to grow. On 10 February 2026, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) named Bedard to its prestigious list of the Top 50 Players of all time to commemorate the league’s 50th anniversary. He joins legendary names such as Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, a testament to his historic junior career with the Regina Pats where he swept the CHL’s major awards in 2023.
2025-26 Season Statistics
| Category | Stat (2025-26) | NHL Rank (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 23 | T-33rd |
| Assists | 30 | T-50th |
| Points | 53 | T-39th |
| Power Play Points | 1 (Recent) | N/A |
Off-Ice Headlines
Bedard recently made headlines for a viral video showing him declining to sign autographs for “pro-collectors” before a game against the Colorado Avalanche. While some criticized the move, many fans and analysts defended the young star, citing the pressure of his “older brother” role in the locker room—a dynamic recently praised by Blackhawks veteran Nick Foligno.