Canada’s Youth Movement An Intriguing Option For Olympics

As one of the most shocking snubs for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Johnston has since become one of the biggest names in Dallas. The 22-year-old has 16 goals through 26 games for the Stars, tying him with Jason Robertson for the team lead. He has become one of the best goal-scoring options for the Dallas Stars. He has greatly improved his ability to put points on the board, a facet that could be crucial for Canada. 

One of the best examples of this for Johnston is his most recent contest against the Ottawa Senators, where he paced Dallas with four points en route to being named first star. The night also marked Johnston’s X career hat trick—the second of the season for the Stars. The four-point night brought his season point total to 30, good for the third-most on the team behind Jason Robertson (35) and Mikko Rantanen (33). 

Seeing a player score at the rate Johnston is for Dallas is a rare sight for most hockey fans. He has been an elite player for about the last year and a half, and his most recent body of work is deserving of a look from Team Canada as the Olympics draw closer. That roster is going to be stacked no matter what, but Johnston has shown that he can find the back of the net if need be.

Connor Bedard Is Making Himself Impossible To Ignore

Bedard might just be unstoppable at this point, and that could very well translate to the international stage. The third-year Chicago Blackhawks forward has 37 points in 25 games played this season, tying him with fellow youngster Macklin Celebrini for the second-most across the NHL. Bedard is producing at a rate that is reminiscent of Patrick Kane at this point in his career, which is an indication that he’s more than deserving of a roster spot. 

The Blackhawks’ assistant captain is putting together performances that have put the league on notice time and time again, for good reason. Bedard’s most recent game against the Anaheim Ducks saw him tally four points (two goals, two assists) en route to his third such game of the season. His ability to impact games so heavily could be useful for Canada in a tournament where the games are going to be highly contested. It seems like Bedard is made for that moment when it comes, which I’m sure Team Canada has on their radar going into selection.

Macklin Celebrini’s World’s Experience Signals A New Age

At just 19 years old, Celebrini is already making a name for himself in the NHL. Fans saw his impressive rookie campaign translate into success at the 2025 World Championships last May, and it could be a sign for things to come. The second-year forward got a taste of what it’s like playing for Canada—alongside seasoned veterans like Sidney Crosby. The experience improved the way that he carries himself, and his play in 2025-26 has left no doubt that he wants to play in Italy. 

Celebrini being on Canada’s roster for the World Championships shows that Canada isn’t afraid of taking chances if it means their team is going to get better. This strategy could very well be in play during Olympic team selection, which gives Celebrini and others on this list a worthy shot of wearing the maple leaf on their sleeve in February.

End Of My Team Canada Rant

There’s a lot of talent in the selection pool for Team Canada as they try to win gold in Italy, no doubt about it. Those who end up representing the country will be in a great spot to bring home a medal for their team and nation. If I were on the committee, however, I’d think twice before throwing out Johnston, Celebrini, or Bedard because of what they can bring to the team as individuals and team players. 

They all have different skill sets that are put on display by their respective teams, but they do have one thing in common. All three of them can find the back of the net at a moment’s notice, a skill that cannot be ignored by Canada if they want the best of the best playing at the Olympics. Any of these players can make the team better, and as a fan, it would be cool to see them make their mark on international hockey.