Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard’s promising debut season has hit a roadblock as he will be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks due to a fractured jaw. The injury occurred during a game against the New Jersey Devils on January 5th, when Bedard was hit by defenseman Brendan Smith. This unfortunate incident has dashed Bedard’s hopes of becoming the youngest player ever to participate in the NHL All-Star Game, which is set to take place on February 3rd.
At just 18 years and 201 days old, Bedard was poised to make history by surpassing the record set by Jeff Skinner in 2011 as the youngest All-Star Game participant. However, with his recovery timeline extending into the same period as the exhibition game, Bedard’s dream of showcasing his skills alongside the league’s top players will have to be put on hold.
Head coach Luke Richardson expressed his belief that the team’s decision to take precautionary measures was the right course of action. Richardson stated, “I think they are just precautionary on a young guy having a trauma injury like that. I mean if it’s earlier, great, but I think that’s probably a normal timeline for what they were thinking of what the procedure they did.”
During the first period of the game against the Devils, Bedard was making a power play rush into the offensive zone when he was blindsided by a shoulder check from Smith. The force of the impact caused Bedard to fall to the ice, immediately clutching his jaw in pain. The altercation that followed involving Nick Foligno, Brett Seney, and other teammates further exemplified the severity of the hit.
Coach Richardson addressed the hit, suggesting that it may not have been intentional. He explained, “I think Connor was reaching for a puck and didn’t see him because he was behind one of their players. I don’t think he stepped up on Connor. I think he kind of stopped and Connor ran headfirst into him. I don’t think there was intent [to injure]. I think he was just playing hard on the blue line and trying to keep the puck out on the penalty kill.”
Bedard’s absence will be deeply felt by the Blackhawks, as he has been an integral part of their lineup throughout the season. In just 39 games, he has recorded an impressive total of 15 goals and 18 assists, leading all NHL rookies in both categories. Moreover, Bedard has consistently displayed his exceptional skill set and versatility, leading all rookie forwards in average ice time with 19:04 minutes per game.
Adding to the team’s woes, defenseman Seth Jones, their top blueliner, is also sidelined with a shoulder injury since December 10th. However, there is some hope on the horizon as Jones has resumed skating and is nearing a return to the lineup. Coach Richardson confirmed that Jones participated in his first full practice, excluding morning skates, signifying progress in his recovery.
Adjustments to the Lineup
In the absence of Bedard and Jones, the Blackhawks have had to make notable adjustments to their lineup. Joey Anderson and Taylor Raddysh recently returned to the lineup for a game against the Edmonton Oilers, but their efforts were not enough to secure a victory as they fell short in a 2-1 loss. The team will need to rely on other players stepping up and filling the void left by Bedard’s absence.
As Blackhawks fans anxiously await Bedard’s recovery, they can find solace in the fact that the rookie sensation has already left an indelible mark on the team and the league. His exceptional performance and contributions have undoubtedly captured the attention and admiration of fans, coaches, and fellow players alike. While this setback may be disheartening, there is no doubt that Bedard will come back stronger and hungrier to continue his meteoric rise in the world of professional hockey.
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