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Connor Bedard Breaks Silence on Skipping Chance to Play with Sidney Crosby

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 8:44 AM ET

Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard isn’t losing sleep over a missed chance to share the ice with two of his idols in the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon.

The 19-year-old Blackhawks star confirmed he decided to turn down an invite from Team Canada to play at the 2025 IIHF World Championship in Sweden and Denmark.

Speaking to The Athletic's Mark Lazerus, Bedard admitted it wasn’t an easy call but made clear that he is not dueling on it nor feeling bad about letting that train go.

“I was at peace with my decision not to,” Bedard said. “When you get an opportunity like that, it’s hard not to go. I love playing hockey, and I knew a lot of guys over there and knew how special that opportunity was, to play for your country.”

I caught up with Connor Bedard today. We discussed a big revelation about his work habits, his decision to skip Worlds and how it'll affect his Olympic hopes, his next contract and much more.

"Everyone knows I want to be a Hawk as long as I’m playing." https://t.co/6Sr2Dq1Z96
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 25, 2025

Team Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Denmark.

Bedard said his focus was on preparing for his third NHL season after what he called a physically and mentally taxing year. He played all 82 games, scoring 23 goals and 67 points throughout the regular season.

“For me, I felt the best decision to feel the best for next year and put myself in the best position for Oct. 5 or whenever our first game is, was not to go this year,” Bedard said. “You want to be there, you miss out. But I feel good about the decision, for sure.”

For Bedard, the offseason is about improving his game and his skill set, particularly focusing on his skating and speed, a key area where he feels he still needs to catch up a bit.

“I think the biggest thing is speed and explosiveness,” Bedard said. “That’s always been my big thing. Just kind of learn about my body a bit and how to keep consistency throughout the year and stuff like that. Just try to learn as much as I can. Hopefully it’s a successful offseason.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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