Connor Bedard has lived up to the massive hype as a rookie for the Chicago Blackhawks, but he’ll now be sidelined indefinitely after suffering an injury on Friday night.
The Blackhawks announced on Saturday that Bedard has a fractured jaw and has been placed on injured reserve.
UPDATE: We have placed Connor Bedard (fractured jaw) and Nick Foligno (fractured left finger) on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/BZ27gEkcEW
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 6, 2024
The injury occurred in the first period of Friday night’s 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, when Bedard took a big hit from defenseman Brendan Smith.
Connor Bedard heads to the dressing room after taking a big hit from Brendan Smith. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/YqLPT6pFNT
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) January 6, 2024
A timeline for Bedard’s potential return hasn’t been revealed, but it should be expected that he’ll be out of action for at least a month.
Bedard was the No. 1 overall pick by the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft. He’s been viewed as a “generational” prospect by the hockey scouting world, and he’s certainly shown why through 39 games of his NHL career.
CONNOR BEDARD LACROSSE GOAL. WOW. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Vpl4rIz8t4
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 24, 2023
The 18-year-old center leads all NHL rookies in goals (15) and assists (18). He was named to the All-Star team on Thursday, making him the youngest All-star in NHL history.
Connor Bedard is the youngest player in NHL All-Star Game HISTORY ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/6u8I99nqWq
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 5, 2024
The rebuilding Blackhawks have the NHL’s second-worst record with 24 points over 39 games. Without Bedard, things will only get more difficult for the Blackhawks, and they’re going to be a much less entertaining watch for hockey fans.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at Awful Announcing and The Comeback.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@awfulannouncing.com.