Presumptive first-overall pick Connor Bedard will not participate in the upcoming World Hockey Championships, according to Sportsnet's Jeff Marek.
The 17-year-old North Vancouver native had his WHL playoff run cut short as his Regina Pats were eliminated by the Saskatoon Blades. In seven playoff games, Bedard had 10 goals and 20 points.
His draft-eligible year in the WHL has been compared to the likes of Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, scoring 71 goals and 143 points in 57 games.
He has had international tournament success too, with a record-setting campaign at the World Juniors in 2023, with nine goals and 14 assists in seven games, leading Canada to gold.
