Blackhawks’ Bedard Sidelined for Month on Injured Reserve

Connor Bedard, the standout center for the Chicago Blackhawks, will be sidelined for the remainder of December due to an upper-body injury. The announcement was made by coach Jeff Blashill on Monday.

Injury Details

Bedard’s injury occurred with just one second remaining in the third period of a recent game against the St. Louis Blues, where the Blackhawks lost 3-2. During a face-off, Blues center Brayden Schenn inadvertently collided with Bedard, causing him to fall backward. He left the ice clutching his right shoulder.

Impact on the Team

Following the injury, Bedard has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to December 12. He had been leading the Blackhawks with 44 points, accumulating 19 goals and 25 assists across 31 games, ranking fourth in the NHL overall.

Future Prospects

As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard is also a strong candidate for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina in 2026. Coach Blashill expressed his disappointment regarding the timing of the injury, emphasizing that Schenn did not intend to harm Bedard.

Team Adjustments

In light of Bedard’s absence, the Blackhawks are making roster adjustments. They have recalled goalie Laurent Brossoit from his conditioning assignment, along with defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Additionally, forward Nick Lardis was also recalled and made his NHL debut, contributing 15 minutes and 32 seconds of ice time against the Detroit Red Wings.

• Connor Bedard: Leading scorer for Blackhawks with 44 points.
• Date of Injury: December 12 (retroactive placement on injured reserve).
• Upcoming Game: Three-game road trip starting with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
• Recent Performances: Lardis recorded 26 points in the AHL this season.

Last season, Bedard showcased impressive skills, accumulating 67 points, including 23 goals and 44 assists. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, despite missing 14 games earlier due to a fractured jaw.