Watch: Rookie sensation Connor Bedard exits after heavy hit

Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Blackhawks rookie sensation Connor Bedard exits game vs. Devils after taking heavy hit

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/5/24

Chicago Blackhawks rising young star Connor Bedard left Friday's contest against the New Jersey Devils after taking a heavy hit from defenseman Brendan Smith.

Past the midway point of the first period, Smith met Bedard with a thunderous check as he crossed the blue line into the Chicago offensive zone. The 2023 No. 1 pick went down hard, holding his mouth before gingerly skating off the ice toward the dressing room.

Connor Bedard went to the locker room following this hit from Brendan Smith. pic.twitter.com/OUZyKCBCRx
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 6, 2024

Smith's hit was clean and it also seemed like he let up a bit before contact. Even still, the hit resulted in a little pushing and shoving between the two sides as Bedard's teammates sought retribution.

The talented centerman wasn't on the ice for the start of the second period and the Blackhawks later announced that he'd be out for the remainder of the game.

Bedard had his head down, making the hit reminiscent of Scott Stevens' devastating blow to former Philadelphia Flyers captain Eric Lindros in the 2000 Eastern Conference Final. Bedard was at least able to exit the ice on his own power, which is a good sign, even if the extent of his injury is still unknown.

If forced to miss games, the timing isn't the best. Less than 24 hours after becoming the youngest player in NHL history selected to the All-Star Game, his status for the annual showcase may be in jeopardy.

Entering play Friday, the 18-year-old lead the Blackhawks and all first-year players in points (33), racking up 15 goals and 18 assists over 38 games.

More must-reads: