Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard has offseason injury scare

Imagn Images

Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard has offseason injury scare

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 2, 2026 9:23 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks have yet to agree to a new deal with Connor Bedard this offseason, as the 2023 No. 1 pick is currently a restricted free agent.

On Thursday, Bedard had a scary moment at practice that could hurt his leverage in contract talks this offseason.

Per Ryan McGregor, Bedard left practice in Vancouver after falling on his left shoulder. He held his arm in a similar manner to when he suffered a separated right shoulder on Dec. 12.

“BREAKING: Connor Bedard left practice today after falling awkwardly on his left shoulder,” McGregor posted on X. “Note: The way he skated off the ice holding his arm closely resembled the incident in December. Severity unknown at this point.”

Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard potentially has injury

Nov 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks on during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bedard “potentially” suffered an injury at practice.

A potential injury could throw Bedard and the Blackhawks for a loop this offseason.

On Wednesday, Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson said the team and Bedard still had more work to do to come to an agreement on a contract extension.

Davidson was hopeful the youth on the Blackhawks would make a big impact in the upcoming season.

“There are young pieces and players that we truly do believe in that we think can be serious impact contributors in the NHL and for us,” Davidson said. “So, we’re excited to see them continue to grow and, in some cases, get their first NHL experience.

“Then also, the additions we’ve made will be impactful ones. So, it’s an exciting time.

Chicago needs Bedard to lead those young players. A second shoulder injury would not be ideal for a team that was trending toward being a playoff competitor before Bedard suffered the injury in December.

Fortunately, Bedard has some time to recover from the July 2 incident as the regular season is still a couple of months away from starting in September.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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