"Big mistake", "Didn't deserve a spot": Internet debates Connor Bedard snub from Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster

NHL fans on the internet reacted to Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard's exclusion from Team Canada's roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Led by Sidney Crosby, Team Canada's roster of 23 players includes three goalies. While there were several notable players who didn't make the cut, Bedard's absence garnered plenty of reactions on social media.

Here's how fans on X/Twitter reacted to Connor Bedard's snub from the Team Canada roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. One tweeted.

"Big mistake … we coulda used him regardless of his output on the talentless blackhawks, u can’t tell me he wouldn’t of been lighting it up playing with Crosby,mackinnon n McDavid …"

Another chimed in:

"He definitely didn’t deserve a spot."

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

"He didn't, honestly. I thought they might play him just to use him to hype up the tournament but that's about it," one opined.

"That’s a tough - I do think he should be there tho," a second fan expressed.

"He’s a great player, but has not been performing up to team Canada standards at this time," another chimed in.

"Based on his play, no. Based on him gaining experience for future tournaments (aka having him around guys like Crosby), yes," opined another fan.

The 4 Nations Face-Off is set to be the inaugural edition of this international competition. It kicks off on Feb. 12, with Canada facing off against Sweden.

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Team Canada GM Don Sweeny explains reason for Connor Bedard snub

Team Canada GM Don Sweeny addressed the reasoning behind Connor Bedard's exclusion from the roster. He noted that the decision was made to ensure that players who deserved and earned their opportunity weren't overlooked.

Sweeny explained:

“Each and every one of those players are neat in their own way. We just felt that we weren't going to push aside anybody that deserved and earned an opportunity to play in this event now.

"Down the road, you’re 100% right we may have to change direction at some point,” he noted. “Hopefully, each, every one of those guys you referenced, will continue to make it harder on us...," he added.

Connor Bedard has accumulated 19 points through five goals and 14 assists this season.