CHICAGO – Connor Bedard is set to return to the Chicago Blackhawks lineup Friday night after missing the last 12 games with a right shoulder injury. The 20-year-old center has been cleared to play against the Washington Capitals, participating in the team’s morning skate prior to the matchup.
Bedard’s Return Provides Major Boost to Blackhawks
The highly anticipated return of the No. 1 overall pick could reignite Chicago’s offense.
- Connor Bedard sustained the injury during a game against the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 12.
- Prior to the injury, Bedard was among the NHL’s leading scorers with 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games.
- The Blackhawks have won a season-high four consecutive games despite Bedard’s absence.
- Several Blackhawks players, including captain Nick Foligno, are currently sidelined due to illness.
“It’s obviously a huge boost,” assistant coach Mike Vellucci said. “He’s a big part of our team and he was playing really well before he got injured. We’re excited to have him back.”
What is the timeline for Connor Bedard’s recovery? Bedard suffered the injury on a draw with 0.8 seconds remaining in a 3-2 loss at St. Louis on Dec. 12. He expressed his relief at being able to return, stating, “I feel good. Obviously it’s no fun kind of waiting and not being able to play. So it’s exciting.”
While Bedard’s return is a positive development, the Blackhawks may be without several key players against Washington. Captain Nick Foligno, forward Ilya Mikheyev, backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom, and coach Jeff Blashill all missed the morning skate due to an illness circulating within the team.
Bedard and fellow center Frank Nazar were both sidelined during a stretch where Chicago lost 10 of 12 games. However, the Blackhawks have since found their stride, winning four straight games leading into Friday’s contest.
“It’s an exciting time and for us just to keep that rolling and obviously keep stacking wins because every game’s so important,” Bedard said.
Nazar, who will turn 22 on Wednesday, is back on the ice, but there is no confirmed timeline for his return to the lineup. He sustained a facial injury after being hit by a puck during a 6-4 loss at Ottawa on Dec. 20.
Bedard was selected first overall by Chicago in the 2023 draft. Despite a brief absence due to a broken jaw during his rookie season, he played in all 82 games last year.
“No one wants to have anything happen, but it’s part of the game,” Bedard said. “You just got to try to take that time to get better.”
Bedard’s strong start to the season had placed him in contention for a spot on Team Canada for the Winter Olympics. However, he was not included on the roster when it was announced last week.
Despite being left off the initial roster, Bedard remains eligible to join Team Canada as an injury replacement should the need arise for the games in Italy.
