Dec 23, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) in action against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
ArticlesNHLBy Matt Clapp on

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Chicago Blackhawks on Twitter/X]

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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