Connor Bedard blames himself for failing to make four nations team Canada roster
Chicago Blackhawks franchise centerpiece Connor Bedard was asked about how he felt about missing the four nations roster and his response might surprise you.
The four nations' rosters were finally announced on Wednesday, ending the speculation as to which players would get a chance to represent their home countries on the international stage next February.
Team Canada had few surprises as players like Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon filled the lineup.
However, some fans were expecting to see 19-year-old Connor Bedard crack the team as one of the best up-and-coming Canadians in the sport.
Bedard did, however, get cut as a 'notable omission' from the roster according to Sportsnet, who ranked him as the second-best left-wing option who didn't make the team.
Obviously, Bedard typically plays center but if he did make the team, he likely would have been moved to the wing given the plethora of depth down the middle.
After the announcement was released, Bedard was asked how he felt about missing the cut.
He did not seem too upset about the news and seemed to be expecting it.
In fact, he blamed himself for having a slow start to the season. If he scored more goals so far this year, maybe he would have been considered more.
"I don't know, I mean you kind of sleep in the bed you make, and I obviously haven't been too happy with the start of the year, but for me, it'll be a good time. Like I said you can use that for a little motivation, keep working hard and trying to get better, and that's what I'm going to do."
Team Canada general manager Don Sweeney explained his decision to keep Bedard off the roster.
As the young forward said himself, Sweeney pointed to the fact that he is still adjusting to the NHL and is going through a classic sophomore season slump.
"Going through the second time around the League now, [so to] speak, in your second year, there are some challenges associated with that. He's working through that right now."
Sweeney went on to make one notable observation when it comes to Bedard.
He talked about how the 19-year-old is currently getting matched up against his opponent's best players playing in a top-line role.
Obviously, Bedard would be going up against some of the very best players in the entire world no matter where he would be in the lineup at the four nations tournament.
For example, team Canada's fourth line features Brandon Hagel, Brad Marchand, and Mark Stone.
That could be a top-line on a decent NHL club!
"He's working through that situation where he gets all the attention possible from the best players he's playing against each and every night. So, I think he's living and breathing it right now, and it's only going to help him build his resume."
Needless to say, this is just a minor setback for Bedard. He will certainly get chances to represent Canada again later in his career.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Connor Bedard deserved to make team Canada despite his slow start to his sophomore season? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 20.3 % |
| No | 122 | 79.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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