Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard Out with Fractured Jaw
Rookie Sensation Connor Bedard Sidelined with Fractured Jaw
In a significant blow to the Chicago Blackhawks, rookie sensation Connor Bedard has been ruled out for 6 to 8 weeks due to a fractured jaw sustained during a collision in the game against the New Jersey Devils on January 5. Bedard, who has been a shining light in an otherwise challenging season for the Blackhawks, leads both his team and all NHL rookies with an impressive tally of 33 points from 39 games.
Blackhawks Facing Uphill Battle Without Star Rookie
The loss of Bedard comes at a critical juncture for the Blackhawks, who have struggled to find consistent form, losing eight of their last ten outings. Head coach Luke Richardson lamented the timing of the injury, especially given Bedard's selection to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game scheduled for February 3 in Toronto. This event would have marked a significant milestone in Bedard's burgeoning career.
Richardson, whose recent coaching record stands at 6-19-2 over the last 27 games, expressed cautious optimism regarding Bedard's recovery timeline. "You know, if earlier, great. But I think that's probably a normal timeline for what they were thinking of what the procedure they did," he stated, indicating that the team's medical staff are not rushing the healing process.
Team Morale and Support for Bedard
Despite the setback, the spirit within the Blackhawks' camp remains resilient. Defenseman Jarred Tinordi highlighted the team's camaraderie, emphasizing the importance of supporting Bedard through his rehabilitation. "He has teammates to rely on; everyone's checking in on him, making sure he's doing OK. Then once he starts feeling better, he can be around the rink," Tinordi said.
Tinordi also mentioned that being present at the rink and engaging with the team could play a crucial role in keeping Bedard's spirits high during his recovery. "That'll help a lot. I know for me, getting around the rink, even when you're not playing, definitely helped keep your spirits," he added.
Bedard's Recovery and Rehabilitation
The road to recovery for Bedard will involve a gradual return to physical activity. Tinordi noted that the young star could resume gym activities approximately two weeks post-injury, ensuring that he maintains his fitness levels. "Physically, he'll be fine. He takes good care of himself as it is, so physically, he'll be OK. It's just a process," Tinordi assured.
Impactful Absences and Roster Adjustments
Bedard's injury is not the only concern for the Blackhawks. The team has been plagued with injuries this season, with key players like Nick Foligno, Anthony Beauvillier, Tyler Johnson, Taylor Raddysh, Joey Anderson, and Andreas Athanasiou sidelined. Foligno, who was placed on injured reserve with a fractured left finger, was hurt in the same game as Bedard, and no timeline has been set for his return.
Moreover, the Blackhawks will be without Taylor Hall for the remainder of the season due to right knee surgery, while Seth Jones has been on injured reserve with a shoulder injury since December 10. These absences have forced the Blackhawks to seek reinforcements, leading to the acquisition of Rem Pitlick, who has recorded 21 goals and 33 assists in 123 career NHL games. Pitlick joined the Blackhawks from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, where he played this season, and is expected to help fill the void left by the injured players.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the Blackhawks' roster. With Bedard out of action, fans will miss seeing the promising rookie play in his hometown against the Vancouver Canucks on January 22 and in a home game versus the Detroit Red Wings on February 25. As the Blackhawks navigate through this challenging period, the team's ability to rally together and support each other—both on and off the ice—will be crucial to weathering the storm of injuries and maintaining their competitive edge in the league.
