Connor Bedard will be sidelined to start the 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. The Chicago Blackhawks stated that the injury occurred during a practice in Vancouver on July 2, with a recovery timeline of approximately four months. Bedard, who turns 21 on July 17, is a promising player for the franchise.
Bedard’s Impressive Performance and Future Prospects
Last season, the center led the Chicago Blackhawks in scoring, amassing an impressive 75 points, including 30 goals and 45 assists over 69 games. Drafted first overall in 2023, his career statistics with the Blackhawks are remarkable, boasting 203 points (75 goals and 128 assists) in just 219 games. His outstanding performance earned him the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie for the 2023-24 season, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
As a restricted free agent, Bedard has been eligible to sign a new contract with the Blackhawks since July 1, 2025. However, as of last week, general manager Kyle Davidson reported that there were no updates on contract negotiations, leaving fans eager for news on his future with the team.
Injuries have unfortunately been a recurring theme in Bedard’s career. He missed 12 games last year due to an upper-body injury sustained during a face-off in a loss to St. Louis, involving then-Blues center Brayden Schenn. Despite these setbacks, he managed to play all 82 games in the 2024-25 season, showcasing his resilience and dedication. As a rookie, Bedard faced another injury challenge, missing 14 games due to a fractured jaw suffered in a January 5 loss at New Jersey.
Looking ahead, Bedard’s recovery from shoulder surgery and his ability to negotiate a new contract will be crucial for both his career and the Chicago Blackhawks. Fans are hopeful that he will return stronger than ever and continue to make significant contributions to the team.