Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard Reportedly Won’t Play for Canada in World Championships to Focus on Health

Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard reportedly won’t play for Canada in world championships to focus on health

CHICAGO — Chicago Blackhawks star center Connor Bedard reportedly will opt out of playing for Canada in the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship this month. Bedard instead will use the time to nurse injuries suffered in the 2025-26 NHL…

Why Connor Bedard isn't playing for Canada at IIHF World Championships

This is painful news for the Blackhawks star.

'I Already Miss Playing Hockey' -- Connor Bedard Speaks Out on His Decision To Skip 2026 World Championship

Connor Bedard skips 2026 Worlds to rehab shoulder, focusing on health and Blackhawks’ long-term plan after breakout season.

Connor Bedard’s Surprising Decision Is A Nail In The Coffin For The World Championships

While most of the hockey world is gearing up for the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, teams that have already been eliminated from the postseason are getting ready to send their best skaters to the IIHF World Championships, scheduled this year to start on May 15 and be played to the end of the month. For the Chicago Blackhawks, that list includes Wyatt Kaiser, Sam Lafferty, Oliver Moore, and Anton Frondell. But on Friday, insider Elliot…

Canada's Bedard skipping world championship to focus on rehab