Connor Bedard forced to undergo surgery, leading to longer absence!

It has been a tough start to 2024 for the Chicago Blackhawks and star rookie Connor Bedard. On Friday, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft suffered a broken jaw on an open-ice hit by Devils defenseman Brendan Smith in New Jersey. It was later confirmed that Bedard would miss significant time.

On Wednesday, it got more serious when insider Frank Seravalli revealed how he’s heard that Bedard has undergone surgery on Monday to repair his fractured jaw. The belief is now that Bedard will have to miss abotu six to eight weeks of action following the procedure.

The Hawks will therefore have to name an injury replacement for the upcoming All-Star Game as Bedard had been chosen to represent Chicago for the event in Toronto at the start of February. 

The Blackhawks later confirmed Seravalli's report with an official announcement on Bedard's longer absence, after undergoing surgery. 

When the hit took place, Bedard was up on his feet and headed on his own power to the Blackhawks’ dressing room, clutching his mouth. On Saturday, when more details emerged that Bedard had suffered a broken jaw, it was confirmed by the team that he was placed on injured reserve as a result of the hit by Smith. However, he’ll miss far more than the minimum seven days required for an IR stay after undergoing the reported surgery. It puts his return roughly between Feb. 19 and March 4.

This latest update also alters the Calder Trophy race for the 2023-24 season.

Bedard, who has been a Calder Trophy favourite all season long, has been the best player in Chicago since the campaign got underway, meeting all expectations that were shoved onto him as the first overall pick. He had put up 15 goals and 33 points in 39 games for the Blackhawks before the injury.

This also means that Bedard will miss out on playing back home in Vancouver, as the Blackhawks visit the Canucks on Jan. 22. The young forward will unfortunately miss out on the opportunity of playing close to home in his first NHL season.

This is just an unfortunate update all around for the Blackhawks, but especially for Bedard.

Recommended articles:

• Blackhawks reveal new lineup without Bedard and Foligno.
• A look at just how bad things are for the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Insider shares additional concerns regarding Connor Bedard.
• Blackhawks release devastating updates on Bedard and Foligno.
• Luke Richardson sounds off on hit that injured Connor Bedard.