Blackhawks Announce Connor Bedard News on Wednesday

The injury occurred on Dec. 12 in a 3-2 loss to St. Louis. Bedard was hurt with one second left while taking a face-off. Blue's center, Brayden Schenn, made contact during a stick lift. Bedard fell backward and clutched his right shoulder as he left the ice.

Questions followed about the play, and Hawks Coach Jeff Blashill said there is 'Zero' lingering issue with Schenn. Reporter Mark Lazerus added that the staff sees 'no' intent behind the contact. Schenn also said he was trying to win the face-off, not injure a player.

"He [Bedard] was having such a great year and is such a great player," Schenn said. "People looked at that as an attempt to injure, but anyone who knows the game of hockey knows you're trying to win a hockey game with a last-second faceoff, not trying to hurt a player with .8 left."

Schenn also addressed the question about getting blamed for injuring Bedard.

"That's a fan base protecting their star player, which they should," Schenn said. "When people show up to Blackhawks games, they want to see Connor Bedard. (But) It's crazy to even think that people thought I was trying to hurt him … that it even crossed my mind for a second."

Before the injury, Bedard led Chicago with 19 goals and 44 points in 31 games. His vision and release drive the offense. Chicago’s attack slows without him, showing his value.

The Blackhawks sit at 17-18-7 and seventh in the Central Division. They defend better than last season, but struggle to score consistently. Bedard’s return could help stabilize results, although they are on a three-game win streak.