Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Connor Bedard Injury Update: Surgery Details, Return Timeline for Blackhawks Rookie

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated Jan 10, 2024 4:33 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks will be without forward Connor Bedard for approximately 6-8 weeks. The team announced Wednesday that Bedard underwent successful surgery to repair his fractured jaw at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Connor Bedard's Injury

Bedard suffered the injury in the first period of a game against the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 5.

Upon entering the offensive zone on a power play, Bedard stepped toward the middle of the ice, where Devils' defenseman Brendan Smith delivered a big hit. Bedard immediately left the ice and didn't return to the game.

The Blackhawks announced on Jan. 6 that Bedard suffered a fractured jaw and would go on injured reserve.

Connor Bedard's Return Timeline

Given Wednesday's update of a 6-8 week recovery timeline, Bedard will likely return to game action sometime between Feb. 21 and March 6.

"They are just (being) precautionary on a young guy having a trauma injury like that. If it’s earlier, great," head coach Luke Richardson said of Bedard's status. "But I think that's probably a normal timeline for what they were thinking of the procedure they did."

Richardson added that Bedard will be limited to riding an exercise bike before resuming skating. However, it shouldn't be too long until he's back on the ice.

A Stellar Season Put on Hold

Before going on the shelf, Bedard led the Blackhawks and all NHL rookies with 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 39 games. The phenom forward earned NHL Rookie of the Month honors in November and December.

Additionally, Bedard became the youngest player in league history named to the NHL All-Star Game just a few days before he suffered the injury.

The 18-year-old has already missed two contests due to injury, and his return timeline will likely keep him out for 15-22 more games.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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