Blackhawks Practice: Connor Bedard Skates In Non-Contact Sweater

The Chicago Blackhawks hit the practice ice on Sunday following Saturday's blowout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. They were lousy in the defensive zone, and when they did get the puck, they were unable to make clean exits throughout the night. 

Part of the team's overall issue is the fact that Connor Bedard hasn't played yet. He is on the shelf because of shoulder surgery that he had during the off-season. 

For the last handful of weeks, however, he has been skating in a non-contact sweater. Over the last stretch, he started doing more than just skating on his own. Bedard joined his teammates in practice, but was unable to participate in drills that involved contact. 

On Sunday, Bedard was in practice again, but this time he was wearing a red sweater that indicates he can be involved in contact drills. This is a big development in his return process. 

Bedard skated on the top line, as expected when he returned, with Roman Kantserov and Patrick Kane. With Connor Bedard back in the mix, Lardis skated as the extra. Teuvo Teravainen remained on the second line with Anton Frondell and Tyler Bertuzzi.

When Frank Nazar returns from suspension, someone else will have to drop out. The likely scenario is that Dominic Toninato returns to the Rockford IceHogs.

Kantserov-Bedard-Kane

Bertuzzi-Frondell-Teravainen

Smith-Greene-Greenway

Moore-Toninato-Donato

Lardis

Byram-Levshunov

Vlasic-Cole

Kaiser-Rinzel

Korchinski-Del Mastro

On defense, Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski remained as the extra pair. They may deserve to get some time eventually, especially with how the rest of the group has played, but that doesn't seem imminent. 

There is still time on Monday to make lineup decisions. It is unclear exactly when Bedard will be cleared for game action, but this was a step in the right direction for him. He wants to be back in "as soon as possible", but the time needs to be right. 

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