Insider does not close Olympic door for Blackhawks injured star

The collective groan that went out when Blackhawks star Connor Bedard got hurt was audible from Chicago to Antarctica. Then, a relative sigh of relief was evident when it was revealed that the injury wasn’t as bad as it seemed.

But one of the biggest questions that emerged from Bedard’s injury situation was his chances of playing in the Olympics next February.

Before the injury, it seemed as though Bedard, along with San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, would sneak onto Team Canada’s roster. However, Bedard’s injury situation seemingly squashed those hopes, or did it?

According to one notable insider, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the door may not have slammed shut on Bedard’s Olympic hopes.

LeBrun noted the following in a December 19 piece:

“Connor Bedard did absolutely all he could before his injury. His stellar play has him firmly still in the conversation. Could he end up a 14th forward on the team? I’m still not closing the door on it, despite his injury. He’s going to be back playing next month. But he’s probably just on the outside looking in. He could also be the first call-up if he’s not taken and there’s an injury.”

So, two things to unpack here. First, Bedard isn’t going away. If anything, he’s still in the mix for a spot even with the injury. Unless the Blackhawks forward can’t go for some reason, he won’t be on the team. As long as he’s healthy, he’ll get consideration.

The second issue here is Bedard remaining as the first man up in case of injuries to other players. That’s a possibility, not because Bedard’s not talented, but because his injury status remains a question mark.

If Bedard’s off the team, comes back, and plays well, it would be easier to name him as an injury replacement down the line.

All told, Bedard’s inclusion on Team Canada’s roster is not a foregone conclusion. There’s still a chance he makes it. There’s also a chance he doesn’t. But judging from LeBrun’s comments, Bedard could somehow find his way onto the squad. It would all be a matter of his injury healing sufficiently within the next month or so.