NHL star Connor Bedard will not play for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, dealing a blow to the national side ahead of the tournament in Switzerland. The event begins on May 15 and runs through May 31, with games split between Zurich and Fribourg.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed the news on X, stating that Bedard’s recovery remains the priority.
“Unfortunately, Connor Bedard won’t be able to dress for Canada at the upcoming Worlds. Really wanted to go, but was told the best thing for next season was to rehab his injury and skip the event. So that is the decision,” Friedman wrote.
Unfortunately, Connor Bedard won’t be able to dress for Canada at the upcoming Worlds
Really wanted to go, but was told the best thing for next season was to rehab his injury and skip the event. So that is the decision.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 1, 2026
The absence marks another missed international outing for Bedard, who has now missed three major tournaments in two years. While disappointing for fans, the decision reflects a careful approach to his long-term development with the Chicago Blackhawks.
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The 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship, hosted in Switzerland, will feature games at Swiss Life Arena in Zurich and BCF Arena in Fribourg. Canada now heads into the tournament without one of its most dynamic young forwards.
Connor Bedard has leveled up with Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) warms up before a game at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Bedard’s 2025-26 NHL season showed strong progress despite injury setbacks. He recorded 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games, achieving his first 30-goal season. His campaign was briefly halted by a shoulder injury in December, which forced him to miss 13 games.
Under head coach Jeff Blashill, Bedard also improved his all-around game. His defensive awareness and faceoff numbers took clear steps forward, addressing key weaknesses from his rookie season. He later earned an alternate captain role in March, highlighting his growing leadership.
Chicago, however, remained in a rebuilding phase and finished with a 29-39-14 record near the bottom of the standings. Their young players are gaining experience, but the results have remained limited.
Connor Bedard has prioritised recovery in the past
Skipping the Worlds aligns with Bedard’s recent pattern of prioritizing recovery and offseason preparation. After missing the 2025 tournament, he cited similar reasons and returned stronger and more explosive.
This latest decision suggests a long-term plan focused on entering the 2026-27 NHL season fully fit. For Canada, it means moving forward without a rising star.