Connor Bedard no longer looks like a lock for Team Canada’s Olympic roster

The Chicago Blackhawks had a solid start to the season given the performance of their young stars Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard. Their play so far this year has given fans thoughts of the two potentially competing in the Winter Olympics this upcoming February in Italy. For Bedard, he does have a more difficult road to make an Olympic roster, considering how stacked Team Canada is. Yet, he is still a part of the discussion.

However, recent intel indicates that the Blackhawks star could miss out on the roster in favor of another recent first-overall pick.

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos revealed recently that San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini is getting "serious consideration" to make the Team Canada roster. Kypreos also revealed that Celebrini has "a significant leg up" on Bedard.

Connor Bedard losing out on Team Canada spot to Macklin Celebrini

"Macklin Celebrini is getting serious consideration to be included on Team Canada's Olympic team, which will be a 25-man roster (compared to 23 for the 4 Nations). Having such a highly skilled player who is mature far beyond his years is very attractive for GM Doug Armstrong and Co.," writes Kypreos.

"For now, Celebrini has a significant leg up on Connor Bedard for a spot. Despite a good start to his season, Bedard is not on the Olympic team's radar for now. Unless he goes lights-out for an extended stretch, there is just no space for him."

The news of Bedard being unlikely to make the Canada roster isn't necessarily shocking. Canada is a stacked roster as it is, and the belief was that Bedard would be unable to crack it. What is a bit surprising is that Celebrini is getting consideration over Bedard.

Celebrini had a great rookie year, as he put up 63 points in 70 games, finishing third in Calder Trophy voting. This season, Celebrini has been on a heater, scoring seven goals and dishing out 11 assists for 18 points in 13 games played. Three of those goals came in a thrilling 6-5 overtime win over the New York Rangers. That hat trick helped propel the Sharks to their first victory of the season.

As for Bedard, he had a hat trick of his own this season. Through 13 games, Bedard has six goals and 10 assists to his credit.

Even though Bedard has been viewed as the future of the NHL and a likely mainstay for the Blackhawks organization, he is not likely to represent Team Canada as they seek to win another gold medal in men's ice hockey. Canada boasts so many stars, such as Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby. The odds of Bedard making the roster were slim to begin with. But, Celebrini has made enough of an impact on Canada and general manager Doug Armstrong to seemingly make a play onto the 25-man roster to head to Italy this upcoming February.

If Bedard misses out this time around, it should be a lock he makes it onto the Canada roster for the 2030 Winter Olympics in France.