Insider Trading has recently reported that Team Canada has contacted Connor Bedard and Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks. It has not been officially announced, but Bedard is most likely going to accept the offer, and will be joining Team Canada in Czechia in May for the 2024 IIFH Men's Hockey Championships.
There is most likely little to no mystery regarding Sidney Crosby, who is regularly asked to join Team Canada, although he rarely accepts the invitation. He has joined Team Canada twice, he joined in 2006, and won a gold medal in 2015.
The World Championships have been struggling to attract the top players due to the fact that it interferes with the NHL playoffs. This means that if your team is still in, you have to decline the invitation. This lack of top players has negatively impacted public interest and ratings. Hopefully the addition of Connor Bedard, who recently stood up against Gary Bettman can help attract some attention to the tournament. If Crosby decides to join, it would drastically increase the ratings and interest for this year's IIHF World Championships tournament.
Source - BladeofSteel: Connor Bedard Expected to Play for Team Canada at World Championships
POLL | ||
Do you think if Team Canada featured both Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard they could win a gold medal? | ||
Yes | 106 | 70.7 % |
No | 23 | 15.3 % |
Sidney Crosby won't join Team Canada this year | 21 | 14 % |
List of polls |