Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard was off to a great start, prompting speculation about whether he would be named to Canada's Olympic team. Then he suffered a fluke injury on Dec. 12 that will keep him out until sometime in the new year.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard made his first public comments Tuesday after being left off Team Canada’s final roster for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan. The 20-year-old Blackhawks center was informed of the decision in advance and confirmed on Tuesday that he is on the nation's injury replacement list.

Coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard will not play for the Blackhawks against the St. Louis Blues at United Center on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT) but that the Blackhawks will take it day by day from there.

McDavid has Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman. Jason Robertson has Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, Miro Heiskanen and Jake Oettinger. Even Celebrini has Will Smith. Bedard merely has the weight of an entire Original Six franchise on his shoulders.

Fans were left furious after Connor Bedard was left off Team Canada’s Olympic roster, despite the 20-year-old's impressive NHL season.

Earlier this year, Connor Bedard’s decision to skip the 2025 IIHF World Championship came under massive scrutiny with many questioning his interest in representing Team Canada.

Connor Bedard was left off Team Canada’s Olympic roster due to a shoulder injury and the team’s depth of talent. Despite the disappointment, Bedard remained professional, calling it “no hard feelings” and using the setback to focus on improving his game.

The best player on the Chicago Blackhawks roster is seen as the future of the sport in the NHL. He's not the future of Team Canada Olympic hockey, just yet.

Canada released its complete Olympic hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, but who are the most notable names not on the team?