Chicago returns to practice on Monday, possibly with full participation by several players who are ready to come off IR. Connor Bedard, however, still isn't cleared to join the group.
The Chicago Blackhawks, dead last in the NHL at 14-34-2 and 30 points, return to the ice for a full practice on Monday, Feb. 5 at the Fifth Third Arena following their bye week and the NHL All-Star break.
Connor Murphy has on IR with a groin injury.Ravaged by injuries, the Blackhawks could have a few players back as full participants. Forwards Tyler Johnson (right foot) and Anthony Beauvillier (left wrist) and defenseman Connor Murphy (groin) may be near returning from injured reserve as Chicago preps for its next game, on Wednesday, Feb. 7 against Minnesota at the United Center.
It's been a month since rookie Connor Bedard sustained a broken jaw on an open-ice hit by Devils defenseman Brendan Smith in New Jersey. Bedard's six-to-eight week recovery timeline is still in effect, although he's long been able to skate without contact or full exertion while wearing a full polycarbonate shield.
Bedard Feels Ready, But...
Still the league's leading rookie scorer with 15 goals and 33 assists in 39 games, Bedard told a Sportsnet panel at the NHL All-Star game in Toronto that he's ready to go, but is awaiting medical clearance. There's no need to rush and potentially harm a splendid long-term asset like Bedard, especially on a team that's again in the running for the top overall draft pick this year.
Bedard had to settle for being a guest passer at the NHL All-Star Game in Toronto. USA Today Network"No specific date. I just gotta' see how it's looking," Bedard told the panel. "I feel good and I feel ready. If it were up to me, I would have been back, bit of course gotta' make sure it's healed and make sure you're not risking anything."
The Blackhawks have lost four straight, and have been shut out in four of their last six games. They've scored only 10 goals in regulation/overtime in their last 10 contests, going 2-8-0 despite terrific goaltending by Petr Mrazek.
Chicago also has dropped a record straight 20 games (0-19-1) on the road. The Blackhawks haven't won away since Nov. 9 at Tampa Bay when Bedard had two goals and two assists in his first multi-point game in the NHL.
Chicago, however, plays 10 of its next 11 at home. It's only road game in the stretch is on Feb. 19 at Carolina.