2023 first-round pick and Chicago Blackhawks star forward, Connor Bedard, appears to be back on schedule to play his first game in Raleigh on Monday after returning from a 14-game absence caused by a broken jaw.
The 18-year-old phenom suffered a fractured jaw after a hit from New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith on Jan. 15 at the Prudential Center.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt2B2x4Iqd0[/embed]
Bedard's original diagnosis had a recovery window of 6-8 weeks following surgery and it looked like a visit to Carolina was going to be too optimistic.
But after returning to game action Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, it looks like Canes fans will have the privilege of seeing Bedard live.
Chicago is scheduled to play against the Hurricanes at PNC Arena on Monday, Feb. 19 and Bedard was on the ice in the full bubble during the morning skate.
In 40 games this season, Bedard has 15 goals and 34 points as basically the Blackhawks only offensive option. There's a significant void of talent around him, but he's still trooping on regardless.
His release is absolutely absurd for his age and it should be a treat to watch what many believe will be a generational talent.
"Special player," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour Monday morning. "When you watch him play, he's dynamic and exciting. We don't want to be watching him too much because he can make you pay. He's one of those rare talents that come along and when they get the puck on their stick, there's always something happening. He's a threat, all the time. He's going to be a special player for a long time."
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