In a move that has quickly become the talk of the hockey world, rising superstar Connor Bedard has made a headline-grabbing decision regarding his participation in this year’s IIHF World Championships. While fans across Canada and Chicago alike eagerly anticipated seeing the young phenom don the maple leaf on the international stage, news broke today that Bedard will not be suiting up for Team Canada this spring.

The announcement, first reported by The Athletic’s Scott Powers, has sparked a wave of discussion and speculation about the motivations behind Bedard’s choice and what it could mean for his future both with the Chicago Blackhawks and as a central figure in Canadian hockey.

With the World Championships set to unfold in Herning, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, the absence of one of the game’s most electrifying young talents is sure to be felt. As fans and analysts alike debate the implications, one thing is certain: Bedard’s decision adds a fascinating twist to an already intriguing offseason and raises questions about the priorities and pressures facing hockey’s next generation of stars.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard

Photo credit: NHL.COM

It was reported today by The Athletic’s Scott Powers that Connor Bedard wouldn’t be suiting up for Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships this year.

Chicago Blackhawks fans will have to temper their appetites, as it appears that superstar center Connor Bedard will not join Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships this year.

According to Blackhawks team reporter Scott Powers, Bedard chose not to attend the World Championships this off-season to work on his speed outside from representing his country.

Quite the bold decision for Bedard, 19, as other former top prospects and even Macklin Celebrini, who was drafted just last year, has accepted the invite to represent Team Canada.

The event will take place in Herning, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, as the groups are split between A & B.

Group A will play in Stockholm, while Group B will play in Denmark.

The first game(s) to be played will be on May 9th. Team Canada won’t hit the ice until May 10th, against the Slovakian National Team at Avicii Arena, in Stockholm, Sweden. Coincidentally, the arena is the namesake of the famous DJ.

The arena may hear the music of Avicii blaring over the speakers, but we won’t get the pleasure of hearing Bedard’s skates hit the ice, especially after a slog of a season in the NHL.

The Blackhawks finished 8th in the Central Division under Interim Coach Anders Sorensen. I imagine the 25-46-11 record is weighing heavily on his mind, as instead of competing for a gold medal, he wants to win in the NHL, even more than in international competition.

Given that the above paragraph is opinion, it’s not unreasonable to think that is the case, given his goals he wanted to pursue this offseason.

«Change it up a bit,» Bedard said. «I always work super hard. I think working extra smart and doing everything, (but) the big thing for me is just increasing my speed.

While it’s slightly disappointing we won’t get to see Bedard play any postseason hockey with Team Canada, there’s always a chance he could end up playing roller hockey with his buddy, Kent Johnson, again.

Until then, we can just assume he’s working on improving his game overall, focusing on his speed this year.