Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard are both contenders for a spot on Team Canada‘s roster ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, as they participate in the country’s orientation camp to help finalize the 25-player lineup. The camp is set to run from August 26 to 28 in Calgary, where coaches will evaluate the young stars’ performances and potential contributions.
Comparing Celebrini and Bedard’s Recent NHL Performances
Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks‘ first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, delivered an impressive rookie season despite his team’s struggles. He scored 25 goals and added 38 assists, accumulating 63 points over 70 games, showcasing his scoring ability and consistency in a challenging environment. The Sharks finished near the bottom of the league with a 20-50-12 record, but Celebrini’s individual success stood out.
Connor Bedard, who was selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, completed his sophomore season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard appeared in all 82 games, producing 23 goals and 47 assists for a total of 67 points. His team placed just above the Sharks in the standings with a 25-46-11 record. While Bedard’s point total edged out Celebrini’s, he achieved this over more games and during his second NHL season rather than his rookie year.
Expert Insights Favor Celebrini for Olympic Reliability
During a segment on TSN Overdrive, NHL analyst Mike DiStefano expressed that Celebrini’s youth, versatility, and steadiness in various game situations make him an excellent candidate for Team Canada’s Olympic lineup. DiStefano highlighted Celebrini’s 18-year-old rookie accomplishments as a preview of even greater potential in the near future.
“The young buck from the San Jose Sharks. Look, I think Celebrini, I mean, you look at his season last year, 25 goals, 63 points as an 18-year-old in the NHL. I can’t wait to see what he could do a year older, you know, getting a little bit stronger, understanding the NHL game for a full season,” he said.
—Mike DiStefano, NHL Analyst
I think he’s going to put on a show out there in San Jose. And they’re going to want a little bit of young youth, I think, on this team. I think Celebrini will be the guy who really stands out. I think he’s more dependable in more situations than a guy like Bedard will say. So, if they’re going to bring one of those young talents, I think Celebrini has a chance to make his way onto this roster.
—Mike DiStefano, NHL Analyst
Camp Evaluation and What to Expect Moving Forward
As Team Canada prepares for the 2026 Milan Olympics, the orientation camp in Calgary will provide an important platform for coaches to assess the adaptability and readiness of emerging talents like Celebrini and Bedard. Their performances during the camp will heavily influence the final roster decisions. With Celebrini’s demonstrated resilience and Bedard’s offensive skill set, both players remain strong candidates, but DiStefano’s remarks suggest that Celebrini may hold a slight edge given his current dependability in multiple aspects of play.
The selection of the Olympic roster will carry significant weight, as Canada aims to capture gold on home soil, making the role of these young stars critical to the team’s future success. The evaluation process this summer will be closely watched by fans and hockey experts eager to see which of these promising players will represent the country in Milan.