With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina fast approaching, the buzz around who will make Team Canada’s roster is already heating up. One of the biggest debates among fans centers on two young stars: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini and Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard.
Both have represented Canada on the international stage, shining at the World Juniors and World Championships, and both were among the few 2000s-born players invited to Canada’s Olympic orientation camp. Traditionally, the Olympic roster consists of 25 players: 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies. So every forward slot is precious.
Team Canada has already locked in six names: Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart.
Macklin Celebrini or Connor Bedard for the Olympic Roster?
Both players have been electric to start the 2025–26 NHL season. Celebrini has tallied eight goals and 21 points in 14 games, while Bedard isn’t far behind with seven goals and 18 points. Statistically, Celebrini has the edge so far.
Insider Nick Kypreos recently reported that Celebrini is getting serious consideration for Team Canada, saying he currently “has a leg up on Bedard for the spot.”
Both are top-line centers and former first-overall picks, and honestly, it wouldn’t be shocking if both ended up on the Olympic roster. However, that hasn’t stopped fans from taking to social media with their thoughts.
One fan kept it passionate but straightforward, writing that “Macklin Celebrini should be on Team Canada at the Olympics. That’s all.”
Another fan didn’t hold back their frustration, saying, “Taking this guy over Celebrini is genuinely so embarrassing for Canada.” The idea of leaving Celebrini off the roster isn’t sitting well with some fans.
taking this guy over celebrini is genuinely so embarrassing for canada https://t.co/XO87pl0PVD pic.twitter.com/jXLuMV54E7
— . (@yildizstrrr) November 6, 2025
Plenty of others echoed that confidence. One user argued, “People think Celebrini is not a lock for Team Canada at the Olympics?” a rhetorical jab suggesting that even questioning his spot is ridiculous at this point.
Meanwhile, another fan pointed to the numbers, noting, “Macklin Celebrini tied with Connor McDavid for the league lead in points… EASY lock for Team Canada.”
macklin celebrini tied with connor mcdavid for league lead in points…EASY lock for team canada
— 🌻 (@sunflwrleaf) November 6, 2025
Others brought up his international experience, with one user writing, “Celebrini is ahead of Bedard because he went to the World Championships last spring and Bedard turned down the opportunity.”
And while much of the chatter centered on comparing Macklin Celebrini to Connor Bedard, not everyone liked that narrative. As one thoughtful fan put it, “Why is it always Celebrini vs Bedard? Both should go since both will be important pieces for Canada in the future, and both players are talented enough to play on the roster if required.”
For now, it’s anyone’s guess who gets the nod, but one thing’s certain: the debate isn’t slowing down anytime soon.