Connor Bedard Is Reportedly The First Player Contacted By Hockey Canada To Play At World Championship

The milestones just keep coming for rookie superstar Connor Bedard.

Just before Tuesday night’s Blackhawks game against the Islanders, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that Hockey Canada GM Rick Nash has reached out to Bedard and Anaheim’s Mason McTavish about being on the team. Nash is tasked with putting together the roster for this summer’s World Championship, which begins on May 10. Nash is waiting for more potential players to be eliminated from the NHL playoffs before reaching out, but it’s still great to see that Bedard was the first player contacted. LeBrun said Bedard is expected to accept the invitation.

Bedard being with Hockey Canada for the World Championship is great news for both him and the Blackhawks. It represents a truly rare opportunity to play alongside the best of the best, practicing and competing with superstars like Sidney Crosby, who is also expected to play.

International History

This summer won’t be Bedard’s first time on the international stage. He’s been a part of Team Canada for three years, spending time with the U18 team for two campaigns and the U20 group for two. He most recently obliterated the steep competition in last year’s World Juniors, where he notched 23 points in just seven games, breaking numerous Team Canada scoring records and being honored as the IIHF Male Athlete of the Year. The Blackhawks’ star is no stranger to international competition, proving he can destroy the best of the best.

Bedard was expected to compete for his country this summer, but it’s great to see he was wanted so desperately. Playing on the biggest international stage is a great opportunity for the young superstar to learn from the best of the best, and he’ll undoubtedly be a better player for doing so.