Connor Bedard to skip world championship, focus on rehab and contract

Key facts

• Connor Bedard, 20, will not play for Canada at the IIHF World Championships in Switzerland (May 15-31).
• Bedard suffered a shoulder injury against the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 12, missing 12 games.
• He recorded 30 goals and 45 assists (75 points) in 69 games this season, career highs.
• by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Friday.
• Bedard is a pending restricted free agent this summer.
• Macklin Celebrini, Gavin McKenna, Mark Scheifele, Mathew Barzal and Morgan Rielly have committed to play for Canada.
• Other Blackhawks, Anton Frondell and Oliver Moore, will represent their countries at the tournament.

Bedard's absence from world championship confirmed

Connor Bedard will not suit up for Canada at the IIHF World Championships this month. The Chicago Blackhawks star, who wanted to play, was advised to skip the event and continue rehabbing his shoulder injury, according to a report from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Friday. The tournament runs from May 15 to 31 in Switzerland, with Canada opening against Sweden on May 15. Bedard, a native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, missed nearly a month of action after injuring his shoulder on a faceoff against the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 12. He returned to play the remainder of the season but was not fully healthy.

A breakout season derailed by injury

Despite the injury, the 20-year-old centre set career highs with 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games, finishing with 75 points. He would have flirted with 100 points had he been healthy for all 82 games, but the shoulder issue cost him 12 games. The decision to skip the world championship prioritizes his long-term health and preparation for the 2026-27 season. Bedard's camp determined that rehabbing the injury now, rather than playing through it, was the best course of action.

A pivotal summer for the Blackhawks star

This summer is critical for Bedard beyond his injury recovery. He is a pending restricted free agent, and contract extension negotiations are expected. The Blackhawks are also likely to consider naming him the next captain in franchise history. Last summer, Bedard focused on strength, conditioning and skating, which contributed to his breakout season. This summer, he will concentrate on getting fully healthy and building on his previous successes.

Canada's roster takes shape without Bedard

While Bedard will not be in Switzerland, Canada will still boast considerable talent. Macklin Celebrini, Gavin McKenna, Mark Scheifele, Mathew Barzal and Morgan Rielly are among the players who have committed to the national team. Other Chicago Blackhawks, including Anton Frondell and Oliver Moore, will represent their countries at the world championship. The tournament offers a stage for young stars like Celebrini and McKenna to shine in Bedard's absence.

Bedard's Olympic disappointment adds context

Bedard recently missed out on making Canada's Olympic team, which likely fueled his desire to play at the world championship. The decision to skip the event means he will have to wait for another opportunity to represent his country on a major international stage. The Blackhawks' preference for his full recovery underscores the team's investment in their young superstar. With an improved season expected in 2026-27, Chicago wants Bedard at 100 percent by training camp.

A wise decision for long-term success

The choice to prioritize rehab over the world championship mirrors the prudent approach Bedard and his camp have taken throughout his career. By skipping the tournament, he can ensure he is fully healthy for the upcoming season and contract negotiations. As Friedman reported, Bedard really wanted to go but was told the best thing for next season was to rehab his injury and skip the event. Once again, the decision reflects a focus on long-term success over short-term glory.

The bottom line

• Connor Bedard will not play for Canada at the IIHF World Championships due to a shoulder injury that requires continued rehab.
• The decision prioritizes his health and preparation for the 2026-27 NHL season, as well as upcoming contract extension talks.
• Bedard set career highs in goals (30) and assists (45) despite missing 12 games with the injury.
• Canada will be represented by other stars, including Macklin Celebrini and Gavin McKenna, at the tournament.
• Bedard's absence marks another missed international opportunity after he was left off Canada's Olympic team.
• The Blackhawks and Bedard's camp are taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully healthy for training camp.