Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard recently underwent surgery to repair his fractured jaw, leaving him sidelined for the next six to eight weeks. This comes as a major setback for Bedard, who was poised to make history as the youngest player ever to participate in the NHL All-Star Game. However, with the new recovery timeline, it seems that Bedard will likely miss out on this opportunity.
Bedard’s injury occurred during a game against the New Jersey Devils on January 5th. In the first period, defenseman Brendan Smith delivered a hit to Bedard, causing him to fall to the ice and clutch his jaw in pain. The hit seemed unintentional, with Chicago coach Luke Richardson suggesting that Bedard may not have seen Smith approaching due to the positioning of another player. Although there was no clear intent to injure, the collision resulted in a significant trauma injury for the young rookie.
Despite his young age, Bedard has had an impressive rookie season with the Blackhawks. Leading all NHL rookies in both goals (15) and assists (18) in just 39 games, Bedard has proven himself to be a key player for the team. Additionally, he boasts the highest average ice time among rookie forwards, highlighting his importance to the Blackhawks’ lineup.
Bedard’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Blackhawks. With Seth Jones, the team’s top defenseman, also currently on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury, Chicago is facing a challenging period. Jones has been out of action since December 10th, although he is making progress in his recovery and is expected to return soon. In the meantime, the Blackhawks will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Bedard and Jones.
Bedard’s surgery was necessary to repair his fractured jaw, and the estimated recovery time is six to eight weeks. This timeline indicates that Bedard will likely miss the NHL All-Star Game, which was scheduled for February 3rd. However, it is crucial for the young rookie to prioritize his long-term health and not rush his return to the ice. The Blackhawks’ coaching staff and medical team will undoubtedly work closely with Bedard to ensure his rehabilitation progresses smoothly and safely.
While Bedard’s injury is undoubtedly unfortunate, it also presents an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills and contribute to the Blackhawks’ success. Joey Anderson and Taylor Raddysh returned to the lineup for a recent game against the Edmonton Oilers, demonstrating their readiness to step up when needed. As the team faces the challenges posed by injuries, the depth and resilience of the Blackhawks’ roster will be put to the test.
Connor Bedard’s injury and subsequent surgery have dealt a significant blow to his promising rookie season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The young forward will miss several weeks of action, including the NHL All-Star Game, but it is vital for him to prioritize his recovery and long-term health. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks will have to rely on other players to fill the void left by Bedard and the injured Seth Jones. As the team navigates this challenging period, they will have an opportunity to showcase their depth and resilience.
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