Canada extended its unstoppable form in the 2025 IIHF World Championship with yet another blowout triumph in the Preliminary Round of the competition. Following the 7-0 victory over Slovakia, captain Sidney Crosby issued a firm message about young star Macklin Celebrini, which could easily make Connor Bedard re-consider his controversial decision to forego an invite to the tournament, instead opting to focus on himself ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Bedard came off a disappointing NHL campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks, in which the constant lopsided results took a toll both emotionally and mentally for the 19-year-old, who is now determined to right the ship next season.
On that note, Bedard chose his personal training and growth ahead of his third year in the league instead of joining Team Canada in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he would’ve gotten the chance to play alongside childhood idol, Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and the rest of stars in a stacked roster.
Who has taken advantage of that opportunity is Celebrini, the former first overall selection in the 2024 NHL entry Draft and finalist to the 2024-25 Calder Trophy, who is embracing the international spotlight and truly shining under the lights.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes his way from the locker room to the ice for warmups before the game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on December 14, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.
Following a 3-point performance (1 goal, 2 assists) against Slovakia, Crosby delivered a powerful admission about the 18-year-old who’s already establishing himself among the world’s best—a statement many believe could’ve applied to Bedard, had he chosen to participate in the IIHF World Championship.
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“[Celebrini] holds on to the puck so well and plays with a lot of poise, and he gave me a nice tap in [goal] tonight,” Sidney Crosby said during his postgame interview. “I am hoping I can have as much poise as him and set him up for more goals at some point, but it has been a lot of fun to play with him. He makes me work hard in practice and in games, so I need to keep up with him.”
Ever present comparisons
The NHL’s latest first overall selections in the Draft have been compared throughout their careers and their arrival to the league was no different, as Sharks and Blackhawks fans debate on who the better talent it.
As Celebrini lines up alongside Crosby on Canada’s top line, the conversation is back on everyone’s lips—while Bedard steps out of the spotlight, the Sharks’ rising star climbs to the top of the pyramid.
Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks warms up before their game against the Nashville Predators at SAP Center on March 11, 2025 in San Jose, California.
Canada has been on an absolute tear so far in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, prevailing in their first five outings. So far, Canada has scored 28 goals while allowing just two on their own net. Crosby and Canada will close out the Preliminary Round with meetings against Finland and Sweden on May 19-20.
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Why isn’t Bedard on Canada’s roster?
Bedard played in every game for the Blackhawks during the 2024-25 NHL season, which visibly took a toll in his body, as well as in his head as he now looks for a rest from the action on the ice to focus on his individual skills.
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According to reports from The Athletic, Bedard believes there are some areas of his game he can polish heading into next season. He hopes he can achieve those improvements by staying in the continent, even if it means missing a key tournament appearance with Crosby and MacKinnon’s Canada.
