Why did Connor Bedard reject Team Canada's World Championship invite — and what's really behind his surprising decision?
Connor Bedard has declined an invitation to play for Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championships (Image via IMAGO/ActionPictures)
Chicago Blackhawks young star Connor Bedard has opted to skip an opportunity to represent Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championships — a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among fans and insiders.
While some were hoping to see Bedard extend his standout season into the international spotlight, the 19-year-old has chosen to prioritize rest and development ahead of a crucial third NHL season.
Connor Bedard turns down Team Canada invite to focus on off-season training and Blackhawks goals
According to a report from Scott Powers of The Athletic, Connor Bedard was indeed invited by Team Canada but 'just decided it was best to focus his offseason elsewhere.' The decision aligns with comments Bedard made during his exit interviews, where he emphasized the importance of working on his speed this summer.
'Connor Bedard won't be playing for Canada at the World Championship this year,' Powers reported on X.
'Canada actually invited him. He just decided it was best to focus his offseason elsewhere.'
Bedard's second NHL season was an impressive one. He played all 82 games and came within a single point of breaking Chicago's franchise record for points by a teenager — a feat even more notable given that he missed 14 games due to injury in his rookie year.
Without that setback, he likely would've shattered the mark.
Despite the hype surrounding his arrival in the NHL, some observers have noted Bedard still has room to grow to fully meet the lofty expectations placed on him. But few question his long-term potential. His decision to forgo Worlds underscores a level of maturity and commitment to development not always seen in players his age.
Bedard appears laser-focused on becoming the kind of franchise-altering force the Blackhawks envisioned when they selected him first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
With elite-level skill already on display and a strong offseason training regimen ahead, a breakout third year seems likely.
Also Read:
'F**king cucks': Sean Avery humiliates Mitch Marner, Paul Bissonnette and Leafs Nation after playoff collapse
Choosing not to wear the Team Canada jersey this time may disappoint some fans, but Bedard's message is clear: building something lasting in Chicago takes precedence. As he enters the 2025–26 season, all eyes will be on how this summer's work translates into results on the ice.
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