Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard suffered a fractured jaw after taking a hard hit from New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith in a game on January 5, 2024. The incident occurred during the second period, and Bedard was visibly in pain as he left the ice. He did not return to the game.
As a result of the injury, Bedard has been placed on injured reserve by the Blackhawks, putting a halt to his impressive start to his rookie season. The 18-year-old had been performing exceptionally well since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Bedard's injury is a major setback for the Blackhawks, as the young forward had quickly become an integral part of the team's offense. In his short time with the Blackhawks, Bedard had already made a significant impact, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
The Blackhawks have not provided a timeline for Bedard's recovery, but a fractured jaw typically requires a significant amount of time to heal. It is uncertain how long Bedard will be out of action and whether he will require any additional medical procedures.
The injury to Bedard comes at a challenging time for the Blackhawks, who are also dealing with injuries to other key players, including veteran forward Nick Foligno. With Bedard and Foligno both on injured reserve, the team will need other players to step up and fill the void left by their absences.
Despite the setback, there is optimism surrounding Bedard's future with the Blackhawks. The team believes that he has the potential to become a franchise player and play a significant role in their long-term success. Bedard's injury will test the team's depth and resilience, but they remain committed to his development and recovery.