The Chicago Blackhawks have had a rough start to the new year, dealing with a string of injuries to key players and a winless five-city, nine-night road trip that spanned two years. The team’s flight home from Newark on Friday night was described as quiet and somber as they absorbed the news of yet another injury to rookie sensation Connor Bedard.
Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, suffered a fractured jaw during Friday’s game in New Jersey, and is now out indefinitely as the Blackhawks placed him on injured reserve. The loss is a significant blow to the team, as Bedard has quickly become the face of the franchise and a fan favorite with his outstanding performances on the ice.
With Bedard out, the Blackhawks are facing additional challenges as they have a substantial number of players on the injured list, including forwards Taylor Hall, Tyler Johnson, and Andreas Athanasiou, as well as defenseman Seth Jones. The team’s cap hit for players on injured reserve is more than $35 million, adding to their struggles this season.
Despite the difficult situation, the Blackhawks are making moves to bolster their roster by acquiring forward Rem Pitlick from Pittsburgh and claiming Zach Sanford off waivers from Arizona. Both players are expected to provide much-needed depth in the forward positions.
On a positive note, the team received a lift with news that several injured players, including Jones, Taylor Raddysh, and Joey Anderson, skated after Saturday’s practice, indicating progress in their recovery.
As the Blackhawks navigate through these challenging times, head coach Luke Richardson is finding solace in “exercise and wine” to cope with the rash of injuries. The team is hopeful that the return of some key players and the addition of new talent will help them turn the tide and overcome the current obstacles they are facing on the ice.