The NHL's leading rookie scorer is in Chicago recovering from a broken jaw and will have wait until next season to skate against Canucks in his hometown.
Almost no one uses paper calendars or appointment books any more, especially not 18-year-olds.
Connor Bedard leaves the ice in New Jersey on Jan. 5.But if Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard had one, he would have circled Jan. 22, 2024 in red. It's was going to be the day when the North Vancouver, British Columbia native returned to face his hometown Canucks for the first time in an NHL game.
But Bedard is stuck in Chicago recovering from a broken jaw he suffered on an open-ice hit from Brendan Smith in New Jersey on Jan. 5. He's been skating now for about a week, with serious restrictions, at the Blackhawks' practice facility.
You can bet Bedard is getting on to the ice under supervision while his teammates are on a four game trip to Vancouver, Seattle, Edmonton and Calgary heading into the NHL All-Star break. He's still the league's rookie scoring leader with 15 goals and 33 points, despite being sidelined.
According to coach Luke Richardson, Bedard's teammates were aware of that at Chicago's morning skate before meeting the Canucks on Monday night.
Bedard (right) on the ice on Sunday in Chicago,"He's devastated not to be here and playing, let alone just being here," Richardson said. "But you know what, he's on course on the recovery — it's going be probably at least six weeks — it's bone settling.
"He's not happy he's not here, but I know the guys were joking about him this morning in the dressing room, all in fun wishing he was here," Richardson added. "You know he's going to do whatever he can to get back earlier." See Richardson in the following video.
Bedard can't take slap shots, let alone hits right now because he can't clench his jaw or subject it to any stress. He still has to limit his exertion. See the link to the story below.
Foligno Back in Lineup
Forwards Nick Foligno and Ryan Donato were set to return to the Blackhawks lineup at Vancouver.
Foligno was out with a broken left ring finger, sustained when fighting Smith on Jan. 5 in response to the hit on Bedard. It will be the 36-year-old's first game since signing a two-year contract extension with Chicago on Jan. 12. See link to the story below.
Donato missed two games with the flu.
Sitting out will be struggling forward Lukas Reichel, Chicago's first-round draft pick in 2020, and center Cole Guttman.
The 21-year-old Reichel was ranked as the Blackhawks top prospect before they selected Bedard with the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft last June. He's been unable to generate much offensively this season, with only three goals and six assists in 44 games. Reichel is a minus-26.
Veteran defenseman Jarred Tinordi also won't dress versus the Canucks, Richardson said.