Connor Bedard Placed On IR Ahead Of Trip To Vancouver
The North Vancouver-born star has been placed on injury reserve with a fractured jaw.
Photo by Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports - Connor Bedard Placed On IR Ahead Of Trip To VancouverOn Saturday morning, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that potential Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard had been placed on injury reserve with a fractured jaw. The timing is significant as the Blackhawks are set to visit Vancouver for the only time this season in 16 days. Based on the recovery timeline, it looks as though Vancouver Canucks fans will need to wait until next season before getting a chance to see the North Vancouver star play at Rogers Arena.
Bedard sustained the injury on Friday when he took a hit from New Jersey Devils defenceman Brendan Smith. The hit was clean but did catch Beadrd up high, forcing him to leave the game. Postgame, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson confirmed that the hit was not dirty, saying, "I don't think he stepped up on him. I just think he kind of stopped, and Connor ran headfirst right into him."
As mentioned, the timing and severity of the injury most likely means Bedard will miss the game against the Canucks on Jan. 22. Not only does the injury make the game less competitive, the chance to see Bedard play was considered a marquee game, with some resell tickets going for over $1,000. The hype was also not lost on Vancouver as they classified the game as "Marquee," which had the same value as the home opener and the game against the Boston Bruins. So far this season, Bedard leads all rookies in goals with 15 and points with 33 through 39 games.
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