Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard makes World Championships decision amid shoulder injury

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard will not represent Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, with the decision centered on recovery from a shoulder injury sustained during 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 action but was not fully recovered for the remainder of the season. Amid the setback, he still produced career-best numbers, recording 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games during the 2025-26 campaign. At the time of his injury, he was among the league’s leading scorers and was tracking toward nearly 100 points over a full 82-game season.

Bedard wanted to join Team Canada for the tournament in Switzerland (May 15–31), but was advised that continuing rehabilitation would be the best course to ensure full fitness for the 2026-27 NHL season, according to Friedman. The decision follows a similar approach last summer, when Bedard also skipped international play to focus on 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 participate in the tournament, including Oliver Moore, Anton Frondell, and Wyatt Kaiser. Moore is also expected to compete for Team USA. Meanwhile, Canada’s roster will still feature notable names such as 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.

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