Connor Bedard Reportedly Injured During Offseason Training

What Happened?

Ryan McGregor, a contributor for the website Blackhawk Up and an internet personality, reported the news as he was in attendance at the practice in Vancouver. McGregor has been attending and covering offseason training sessions featuring multiple NHL players, including Kent Johnson and Macklin Celebrini.  

In today’s session, Bedard reportedly fell awkwardly on his left shoulder. This is the opposite shoulder of the one he severely injured against the St. Louis Blues on December 12, 2025. On the play, the Blackhawks phenom went in for a face-off and dislocated his shoulder on the ensuing draw. Bedard missed a total of 12 games because of the “freak accident,” as it was called by Coach Jeff Blashill. 

The Impact

The shoulder injury comes with two caveats that will impact both the Chicago Blackhawks organization and Connor Bedard himself.

Caveat One: Connor Bedard’s Health

Shoulder dislocations are a very odd injury. While all injuries come at a risk of further re-injury and damage, dislocations are unique. With each new injury comes a severe risk of re-injury.

Let me make this clear: I am no doctor. However, the National Institutes of Health notes that young men aged 20-30 are at the highest risk for injury/re-injury.

Now Bedard has two structurally weak shoulders if the worst-case scenario comes true. This is very frustrating and scary for a player whose elite shot defines his game.

Caveat Two: The Financials 

At this point in the offseason, there is an obvious elephant in the room. Connor Bedard remains unsigned. Over the past three seasons, Connor Bedard has been severely injured in two of them. In his rookie campaign, Bedard broke his jaw on a hit from defender Brendan Smith of the New Jersey Devils. 

Last season, Connor suffered the aforementioned shoulder injury. Now, Kyle Davidson could use this as leverage for the upcoming negotiations. Whether Blackhawks fans want to admit it or not, injury concerns are becoming a scary topic when discussing the former first overall pick.