Unfortunately, Bedard has struggled to maintain this momentum, going scoreless in the last three matches, including Canada's narrow 3-2 win over Switzerland.
During the match against Switzerland, Bedard's linemate, Philipp Kurashev, represented Team Switzerland. Despite the familiar partnership, Bedard was given the least ice time on Team Canada, playing only 10:14 minutes with no shots on goal. His ice time has consistently decreased: 16:00 against Team Austria, 14:30 against Norway, and 13:19 against Finland.
Should fans be worried about Bedard's recent performance? It's possible that the young forward is simply exhausted after his first NHL season. Bedard played 68 games with an average of 19:47 TOI in the NHL, bearing the weight of the Blackhawks franchise on his shoulders after the 2023 NHL Draft. With the NHL season ending on April 18th, Bedard quickly transitioned to international play with Team Canada, leaving little time for rest.
While his recent struggles are concerning, they shouldn't overshadow his potential. Bedard remains tied for second in the IIHF tournament with five goals, and his linemate Kurashev didn't score against Canada either. Kurashev did record two assists during the World Championships, but this doesn't suggest that their partnership will be ineffective when they reunite next season.
Both Bedard and Kurashev need rest after the IIHF Tournament. Despite the recent challenges, Bedard's talent is undeniable, and a period of relaxation could help him return to form. Fans should stay optimistic about his future performance, as he has shown the ability to bounce back from adversity.
