Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard is ready to return from a jaw harm subsequent week which has saved him out of motion since January 5.
When Will Connor Bedard Return From Harm?
Bedard, 18, is taken into account one of many best prospects of his technology and the teenager was drafted by Chicago with the primary decide of the NHL Entry Draft in 2023.
The rookie middle was checked by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith within the first week of January which left him with a fractured jaw.
Following surgical procedure, he’s been again on the ice for round a month – skating and doing a little mild capturing while carrying a full face defend, however he’s ramping up his progress forward of a extremely anticipated return to the lineup.
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson informed reporters that Bedard must be prepared for motion from Monday, February 19 – which might put him in line to return on the highway in opposition to the Carolina Hurricanes that night time.
“That was simply exhausting for him to simply accept originally, however he’s been nice these days. And I believe he’s calmed down and realized that he’s obtained to undergo this course of.”
–Luke Richardson on Connor Bedard displaying extra persistence throughout his restoration from a damaged jaw pic.twitter.com/jCP7WmsOKD
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 12, 2024
Regardless of lacking a mixed six weeks with the harm, Bedard nonetheless leads all rookies with 33 factors and 15 targets this season. He’s regarded precisely just like the participant folks hoped he would turn out to be.
In keeping with NHL sportsbooks, Bedard stays the favourite to win the Rookie of the 12 months award (Calder Memorial Trophy) at odds of -200.
The Blackhawks will probably be grateful to have their rookie sensation again on the ice subsequent week, with the staff within the midst of a six-game dropping streak since January 22. Chicago have misplaced 15 of their final 18 outings.
For the third straight 12 months the franchise – who’ve six Stanley Cup titles to their identify – are anticipated to complete with one of many league’s worst information.