CHICAGO, IL – Chicago Blackhawks rookie sensation, Connor Bedard, suffered a fractured jaw during a game on Friday night and has now been placed on injured reserve. The 18-year-old forward left the game against the New Jersey Devils in the first period after a hit from defenseman Brendan Smith. Bedard’s injury was evaluated by Chicago specialists on Saturday morning.
Bedard has been an impressive force for the Blackhawks this season, leading all NHL rookies in both goals (15) and assists (18) in 39 games. As the number one pick in the 2023 NHL draft, he also boasts the highest average ice time (19:04) among rookie forwards.
This injury comes shortly after Bedard’s selection, which could potentially make him the youngest player ever to participate in the NHL All-Star Game at the age of 18 years and 201 days. This would surpass the record set by Jeff Skinner in 2011, who was 18 years and 259 days old when he played in the All-Star Game.
During the game against the Devils, Bedard sustained his injury on his fourth shift while on a power play. As he entered the Devils’ zone, Smith delivered a shoulder check, causing Bedard to fall to the ice and immediately clutch his jaw. Bedard was then forced to leave the game at 9:11 of the first period, while a skirmish broke out between his teammates and Smith.
Chicago coach Luke Richardson, a former NHL defenseman himself, commented on the hit, stating that he did not believe there was any intent to injure from Smith. Devils coach Lindy Ruff also shared this sentiment, describing it as a solid hit with no malicious intent.
Moving forward, the Blackhawks will face the Calgary Flames at home on Sunday, followed by a game against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. The matchup against the Oilers was anticipated as a rematch between Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid, who faced each other for the first time on December 12.
In addition to Bedard, the Blackhawks have also placed forward Nick Foligno on injured reserve due to a fractured finger.
To summarize, Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard has suffered a fractured jaw and is now on injured reserve. Bedard, with an impressive rookie season, leads all NHL rookies in both goals and assists. While there is no intent to injure, the hit from Brendan Smith forced Bedard out of the game. The Blackhawks will continue their season without Bedard for now, facing the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers in their upcoming games.