Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard is ready to return from a jaw damage subsequent week which has saved him out of motion since January 5.
When Will Connor Bedard Return From Harm?
Bedard, 18, is taken into account one of many biggest prospects of his era and the teen was drafted by Chicago with the primary choose of the NHL Entry Draft in 2023.
The rookie heart was checked by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith within the first week of January which left him with a fractured jaw.
Following surgical procedure, he’s been again on the ice for round a month – skating and performing some gentle taking pictures while carrying a full face protect, however he’s ramping up his progress forward of a extremely anticipated return to the lineup.
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson informed reporters that Bedard must be prepared for motion from Monday, February 19 – which might put him in line to return on the highway towards the Carolina Hurricanes that evening.
“That was simply exhausting for him to just accept firstly, however he’s been nice currently. And I believe he’s calmed down and realized that he’s bought to undergo this course of.”
–Luke Richardson on Connor Bedard exhibiting extra endurance throughout his restoration from a damaged jaw pic.twitter.com/jCP7WmsOKD
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 12, 2024
Regardless of lacking a mixed six weeks with the damage, Bedard nonetheless leads all rookies with 33 factors and 15 objectives this season. He’s regarded precisely just like the participant folks hoped he would grow to be.
In line with NHL sportsbooks, Bedard stays the favourite to win the Rookie of the Yr award (Calder Memorial Trophy) at odds of -200.
The Blackhawks can be grateful to have their rookie sensation again on the ice subsequent week, with the crew within the midst of a six-game dropping streak since January 22. Chicago have misplaced 15 of their final 18 outings.
For the third straight yr the franchise – who’ve six Stanley Cup titles to their identify – are anticipated to complete with one of many league’s worst information.
