Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard game-time decision against Penguins

Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill was coy about Bedard’s when speaking to the media after practice on Tuesday.

“I would say he’s certainly trending towards being a coach’s decision tomorrow night,” Blashill said. “Certainly trending towards looking like he’s got the possibility to play.”

Bedard has yet to play a game this year, as he has been out of action since the summer, recovering from shoulder surgery that he underwent this past July, as the 21-year-old was injured during an on-ice training session. Bedard is trending toward a return to the lineup well ahead of schedule, as he was originally projected to miss four months after the surgery.

The North Vancouver native would wear the ‘C’ on his jersey for the first time, as he was named the 37th captain in Blackhawks history before the start of the 2026-27 season. It’d also officially mark his first game under his new five-year contract, which he signed this past July. The deal carries an AAV of $15 million through the 2030-31 season.

The Hawks will certainly be happy to have No. 98 back in the lineup. It has been a rough start for the club, having won just one of its first six games of the new campaign and been outscored 26-12 in the process.

Bedard has sparked new life in the Original Six franchise that has been the doormat for the rest of the NHL for several years. The exciting playmaker is coming off his best season yet, scoring 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games. In 219 career appearances, he has notched 75 goals and 203 points.

Puck drop between the Hawks and Pens is set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday.