NHL fans shared their reactions online after a bold claim suggested Connor Bedard was left off Canada’s Olympic roster for political reasons. The men’s tournament begins Feb. 12, marking the first Olympics with NHL players since 2014. Canada opens Group A against Czechia, with gold-medal hopes once again high.
Bedard was left out despite a strong start in the 2025-26 season, and currently, he has 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points in 44 games. This is his third NHL season, after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2023 NHL Draft, by Chicago.
The debate followed comments from Chicago Blackhawks analyst Lee Grasemann, who told his YouTube audience that Bedard’s absence from the 2026 Winter Olympics was “because of politics,” calling the situation sad.
The remark quickly gained traction on X, where fans weighed in from both sides.
“They robbed us of Celebrini-McDavid-Bedard, Marchand-Crosby-MacKinnon. That top six would’ve been Cinema” One fan reacted.
“You have to network as a player and in this game. He also declined 2025 IIHF World Championship due to focusing on getting better at his game with the NHL. He had different priorities. There’s enough exposure now that some players can play chess, not checkers. Next time.” A fan pushed back, pointing to context beyond selection politics.
“As much as I think he could be there, they definitely didn’t want to bring that much inexperience. It was always going to be one of him or celebrini. Same scenario with Schaefer.” One fan suggested.
Here are some more reactions from fans to Bedard’s snub:
“There are better players than him, more physical too,” A fan pointed.
“Every time these teams get picked good guys get left off. Not an easy job, and you need roles to win.” A fan wrote.
“He didn’t go to worlds…Canada made it clear if you don’t come Goodluck. Amazing player none the less.” One fan mentioned.
Team Canada GM on Macklin Celebrini’s Selection
Meanwhile, Macklin Celebrini earned his Olympic spot after a breakout second NHL season with the San Jose Sharks. Celebrini has scored 28 goals and has 81 points this season, after playing a total of 55 games.
In a column published earlier this week by the NHL, Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong said Celebrini impressed early and continued to build his resume through strong play and international experience.
So, performance and fit ultimately drove roster decisions.
“He’s gone to the Worlds,” Armstrong said of Celebrini. “He fit in very well, socially with the top players in the game, and his product on the ice speaks for itself. So he worked his way on. His resume is shorter, but it’s extremely filled for his age.”
Team Canada’s roster reflects that philosophy, as veterans like McDavid, Crosby, and MacKinnon anchor a forward group designed for speed and scoring. Younger players such as Celebrini and Nick Suzuki bring energy, while Tom Wilson adds physical presence.
Whether Bedard’s omission was political or practical remains debated. What is clear is that his absence has proven his star power already shapes the sport far beyond the ice.
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