Former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has cast doubt on Connor Bedard’s chances of making Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster. Team Canada must finalize its 25-man group in early January, ahead of the February tournament in Milan and Cortina. NHL players will be returning to Olympic ice for the first time since 2014.Speaking on the Hockey Sense podcast, Burke offered blunt assessments when asked about Bedard’s Olympic outlook. He said,"No automatics with Team Canada, I think, is an option," Burke said. "I'd take one of those two kids. Maybe Schaefer is a D, but I would take one of those two kids; Celebrini and Bedard. I wouldn't take two kids."They've got too many good choices to choose from, and Connor Bedard is really forcing this to become a hard choice, but not for me. Take one of the others as an alternate and build your team."Bedard continues producing elite numbers with Chicago this season. His 39 points (18 goals and 21 assists) in 28 games highlight his dynamic offense and heavy workload. He remains a franchise cornerstone and one of the league’s brightest talents.Selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard immediately delivered on his generational prospect hype, earning the Calder Trophy. He has recorded 63 goals and 104 assists for 167 points in his career so far.Burke doubled down when pressed to choose between Bedard and Macklin Celebrini."For me [Celebrini is the guy], a more complete player...," Burke said. "I would use Macklin Celebrini killing Penalties. I would not use Connor Bedard."Celebrini, who is signed on a $13.4 million rookie contract, has matched that pace with Bedard in San Jose. The 19-year-old center owns 40 points (14 goals and 26 assists) in 29 games and drives play at both ends. He has emerged as a dominant two-way center, combining elite vision, maturity, and playmaking ability. He is ranking among the league’s top scorers and driving San Jose’s offensive resurgence.So, Burke believes Celebrini brings a stronger two-way game, making him the safer Olympic choice.Pierre LeBrun on Connor Bedard's Olympic chancesEarlier, Analyst Pierre LeBrun shared his take on Connor Bedard in the second half of November. He believes Bedard is far from a lock for Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster.In his column, LeBrun noted that Canada’s staff will value versatility and physical impact, not just elite scoring. He pointed to Tom Wilson as a player climbing the depth chart because he brings a rare power-forward presence."It is the same reason Connor Bedard still isn’t a sure thing to make Team Canada, despite his offensive explosion...," LeBrun wrote. "They just may not trust him enough defensively."Bedard remains one of Canada’s most gifted offensive talents, yet LeBrun stressed that Team Canada will prioritize complete, matchup-ready players.