Bedard Skates Again for Blackhawks; Return Date Uncertain
Connor Bedard took to the ice again for the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, marking his first skate since his upper-body injury. However, the timeline for his return remains unclear. Bedard sustained the injury in the dying moments of a game against the St. Louis Blues on December 12.
Details of Bedard’s Injury
In the match, with just one second left in the third period, Bedard was involved in a face-off when Blues center Brayden Schenn attempted a stick lift. This maneuver caused Bedard to lose balance and fall backward, landing awkwardly on the ice while clutching his right shoulder.
Current Status and Future Outlook
During his recent skating session, Bedard performed stickhandling drills but did not take any shots on goal. Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill provided an update, noting that while Bedard’s skating is a positive sign, the full recovery timeline is still being assessed. A more comprehensive evaluation is expected in January.
Season Performance
- Games Played: 31
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 25
- Total Points: 44
Other Team Updates
In addition to Bedard, Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar is also recovering from an injury. Nazar suffered a facial injury from a puck during a game against the Ottawa Senators on December 20. While he has not resumed skating, he has started to recover by eating solid food.
Nazar’s Performance
- Games Played: 33
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 15
- Total Points: 21
Moreover, forward Dominic Toninato has been reassigned to the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League, as the Blackhawks prepare for their upcoming game against the New York Islanders.
