The race for a spot on Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster is heating up, and some established forwards might be left behind! The emergence of young talents like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini has dramatically shifted the landscape, creating a fascinating selection dilemma for the team’s management. It’s a situation where new stars can only enter by pushing others out.
The hockey world, including major outlets like TSN, Sportsnet, and ESPN, is buzzing about the tough choices ahead. Players who weren’t even considered for the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, such as Nick Suzuki, Mark Scheifele, and Tom Wilson, are now making strong cases for themselves, further intensifying the competition. This rise in talent puts General Manager Doug Armstrong in a challenging position, forcing him to re-evaluate his initial player assessments. It’s not that anyone is necessarily underperforming, but the internal competition has become incredibly fierce, making it impossible to ignore.
Are Celebrini and Bedard locks for Team Canada?
One player under intense scrutiny is Travis Konecny. Despite participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off, he failed to score in two games and ended up with a minus-three rating. While his performance in Philadelphia has been steady, it hasn’t been particularly eye-catching, especially when compared to the physicality and 20 points of Tom Wilson in 21 games. This comparison alone puts Konecny’s Olympic chances at risk.
The same downward trend applies to Sam Bennett. Known for stepping up in crucial moments, his current season hasn’t been stellar, with only 7 points in 20 games. While his physicality is an asset in the NHL, it can be a limiting factor in the Olympics. With younger, more reliable centers like Celebrini, Suzuki, and Scheifele also vying for spots, Bennett’s case is becoming less convincing.
Anthony Cirelli faces a similar situation. Although a top-tier defensive center and penalty-killer, his scoring record is opening the door for other contenders. In contrast, Bo Horvat has already scored 14 goals and registered 25 points, offering more offensive production while still being defensively sound.
Ultimately, Konecny, Bennett, and Cirelli are under pressure. Unless their performances improve significantly, they might not make the final Olympic roster.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Could the emphasis on youth and skill overshadow the value of experience and grit? What do you think? Are there any players you believe are being unfairly overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments below!