Concerning news on Connor Bedard overseas…

It’s hard to recognize first overall pick Connor Bedard at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Czechia. The 18-year-old forward led the Chicago Blackhawks and NHL rookies with 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games in 2023-24, but overseas, he’s just looking like any depth guy in the tournament.

On Tuesday, Bedard was held without a point for the fourth straight game in Canada’s 4-3 overtime win versus Czechia. Worse, he was benched by the head coach, skating just 8:08 and 10 shifts, the lowest of any forward on Team Canada. He managed one shot on goal and did not play a single shift during overtime.

While some fans and pundits are starting to wonder if the first NHL season in Bedard’s career has taken most of his energy for the tournament, others are putting out concerning theories that the young forward could be dealing with an injury.

If that’s the case, Bedard needs to take this seriously, knowing what it takes to push through a full season in the NHL. Some may think that’s the spell of the sophomore year is already upon him and that Bedard has plateaud, though this will only be truly assessed once the 2024-25 NHL season gets underway.

In the meantime, the Calder finalist needs to get his head back on straight or recover from that aforementioned injury, before he makes things worse for his morale or body.

Canada sewed up first place in Group A after the overtime win over Czechia on Tuesday and will face Slovakia in Thursday’s quarterfinals.

Recommended articles:

• Canada’s roster at the World Championship revealed with top stars making the cut!
• Nick Foligno lays down the law: “I won't allow it!”
• Blackhawks reportedly hid Connor Bedard's equipment
• Top Leafs pick has surpassed Connor Bedard
• Calen Addison tries to bully Connor Bedard, doesn't end well.