Thankfully, Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard is skipping the World Championship

Connor Bedard failed to take a major step forward in superstardom.

He had a good season, but the expectation was he would have a great season after posting 61 points during his Calder Trophy-winning rookie season.

Bedard did post 67 points this season, but the hope was he would be finishing around 80-90 points. An early-season regression and a revolving door of linemates also played a role in him having what some would label a sophomore slump.

If 67 points is a slump, imagine what a career season will be for Bedard.

Sometimes the generational talent expectation masks the fact that Bedard is still a teenager. He does not turn 20 until mid-July.

He has also been going non-stop hockey-wise, outside of that six-week injured reserve stay last season, since he was 17.

Think about it, his past two years have been going from the juniors to the pre-draft process, then jumping into the offseason prospect workouts, to training camp, to his first NHL season, to the World Championships last year and then training camp with another NHL season.

That's a lot of hockey, and then add in the immense expectations of being the league's next icon. You can see why Connor Bedard could use a full offseason break.

Thankfully, he has decided to do that by passing on playing for Canada in the World Championships.

This is not a 4-Nations Face Off snub. The Athletic's Scott Powers confirmed that Bedard was invited to play on Team Canada, and the Hawks youngster chose to decline the invite.

CHGO's Jay Zawaski is citing that Bedard wants to focus on working on training for next season.

It is good for Bedard to focus on growing his game, as there is still work to be done if he wants to move up the NHL superstar ladder. While describing his game as playing pond hockey might be a bit too harsh; he does have to work on those little details in his offensive game to get more shots off.

He is by no means a finished product like many thought he would be at 19. He could also use a summer away from the spotlight, too.

He played in the World Championship last year with mixed results. He got off to a hot start, then struggled, but finished strong.

Since the World Championship is just a glorified exhibition, there is no real value for Bedard to play in it except for the love of country. Right now, he should be focusing on giving his game some love and work away from the spotlight.