Blackhawks’ Bedard could return: Training and possible comeback!

Connor Bedard Returns to Practice with the Blackhawks

Connor Bedard has taken a significant step in his recovery, joining the Chicago Blackhawks for a portion of Tuesday’s practice. The young player is in the process of rehabilitation after suffering a right shoulder injury. Bedard was injured on December 12 during a game against the St. Louis Blues. At the time of the injury, he was among the NHL leaders with 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games.

I feel really good. Obviously, being able to get out with the guys a little bit today and keep getting better. It feels really good.

Connor Bedard

Although Bedard will not be in Wednesday’s game against the Blues, coach Jeff Blashill has left open the possibility of his return this weekend. The Blackhawks will play at home against Washington on Friday and visit Nashville on Saturday.

It’s great to have him back, involved in some of the team’s drills. They were flow-type drills, but we’ll keep progressing. It was great to see him, great to see the jump he has.

Jeff Blashill

Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar was also on the ice before practice. Nazar was placed on injured reserve last weekend after being hit in the face by a puck during a game against Ottawa on December 20.

It’s good that Frankie is skating. He’s further away than Connor, but it’s a good step in the right direction, for sure. He started eating solid foods and progressed to this, so that’s good.

Jeff Blashill

Nazar, 21, is in his second full season in the NHL and has become one of Chicago’s young stars, with six goals and 15 assists in 33 games. Chicago has won three straight games, improving their record to 4-6-1 since Bedard’s injury. When asked about when he will play again, Bedard did not give a specific date.

I hope I can play again soon.

Connor Bedard

With his good start to the season, Bedard aspired to a place on the Canadian team for the Winter Olympics, but he was not included in the list announced last week.

There’s disappointment, of course. Everyone in Canada would want to be on that team, or any participating country. But there are a lot of great players. They have difficult decisions to make, so obviously you respect it.

Connor Bedard

Bedard, the first pick of the 2023 draft, could still be added to Canada’s roster as an injury replacement.