Crosby Injury Raises Questions About Bedard's Olympic Absence

Canada's semifinal matchup with Finland looms large as they await news on Sidney Crosby's status.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Team Canada advanced to the Olympic men's hockey semifinals, but not without a significant injury concern. Star center Sidney Crosby left the quarterfinal game against Czechia early in the second period with a lower-body injury and did not return. His status for Friday's semifinal against Finland is uncertain. This raises questions about Canada's decision to leave highly touted 18-year-old Connor Bedard off the Olympic roster, as he could have provided valuable depth at center if Crosby is unable to play.

Why it matters

Bedard is considered one of the top young talents in hockey and many felt he should have been included on the Canadian Olympic team. His absence is now magnified with Crosby's injury, as Canada may have to rely on less experienced centers against a tough Finnish squad in the semifinals.

The details

Bedard, who plays for the Chicago Blackhawks, has 23 goals and 30 assists in 44 NHL games this season. Canada opted for more veteran experience on their Olympic roster, including selecting Nick Suzuki, who scored the game-tying goal late in the third period of the quarterfinal win over Czechia. However, Crosby's injury has raised questions about whether Canada made the right call in leaving Bedard off the team.

  • Crosby left the quarterfinal game against Czechia early in the second period on February 19, 2026.
  • Canada's semifinal matchup against Finland is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The players

Sidney Crosby

A star center for Team Canada who suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinal game against Czechia.

Connor Bedard

An 18-year-old center for the Chicago Blackhawks who was not selected for the Canadian Olympic hockey team.

Nick Suzuki

A Canadian center who was one of the last players selected for the Olympic team and scored the game-tying goal in the quarterfinal against Czechia.

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What’s next

Canada's medical staff will continue to evaluate Crosby's injury, and his status for the semifinal matchup against Finland will be determined in the coming days.

The takeaway

The absence of Connor Bedard from the Canadian Olympic hockey team is now being scrutinized more closely due to Sidney Crosby's injury, as Bedard's young talent and depth at center could have been valuable if Crosby is unable to play. Canada's decision-making process will be heavily analyzed as they prepare for a tough semifinal matchup against Finland.