The Chicago Blackhawks are legitimately one of the worst teams in the National Hockey League. They may go down as one of the worst teams in the history of the franchise depending on how the season ends. Right now, their 14-35-3 record is good for dead last one the NHL standings.
One thing that has made them fun to watch this season has been the play of Connor Bedard. The 2023 first-overall pick is among the most highly touted hockey prospects ever. He is seen as someone who could be legendary if he reaches his potential.
Well, on January 5th, he fractured his jaw in a collision with New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Smith. It was a clean hit but Bedard had his head down and it cost him some games. It is a “live and learn” type of situation.
After being out for over a month, it sounds like he is just about ready to come back. You know he is ready to go but the Blackhawks are being cautious with him. He wants to get out there and you can tell by how he speaks about his injury.
The Blackhawks expect Connor Bedard to return to action next week. He’ll have his “hopefully final” doctor’s appt and imaging next Monday.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 12, 2024
The Chicago Blackhawks are going to get Connor Bedard back soon
He made a special appearance at the NHL skills competition as a guest passer in one of the events. There was nothing dangerous about it so it was cool to see him out there.
Unfortunately, he did need replacing in the actual All-Star Weekend as he recovered from this jaw issue. That was another sign that he was itching to get back.
Now the report out there is that Bedard is hoping to have his last doctor’s appointment next Monday. The hope from them in is to have him return in one of the games that follow next week.
Three good options are (but not limited to) next Wednesday vs the Philadelphia Flyers, next Friday vs the Winnipeg Jets, or next Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings.
That game against the Red Wings is going to be extra special. They are going to retire Chris Chelios’ number 7 before the game. It will also be Patrick Kane’s first-ever visit to the United Center as an opponent. Bedard being in the lineup for Chicago would make it extra special.
Getting Bedard back won’t help the Blackhawks avoid being a last-place team in the Central Division. However, it will give people a reason to watch the team and think about him being surrounded by a ton of talent in the future.