Bedard out until at least early January with upper-body injury

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard will be sidelined until at least early January after sustaining an upper-body injury in Friday's game, head coach Jeff Blashill said Monday, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

There's no firm timetable for Bedard's return, as he won't be re-evaluated until the new year. Blashill said this is "what was expected" after the initial diagnosis.

Bedard, who was placed on injured reserve Monday, doesn't need surgery at this time, Blashill added.

The 20-year-old center suffered what appeared to be a right shoulder injury while taking a faceoff in the final second of Friday's loss at St. Louis. After that game, Blashill described the play as a "freak accident."

Connor Bedard appeared to injure his shoulder off the faceoff with less than a second left. pic.twitter.com/NJHk84s9uO

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 13, 2025

The injury halts what's been a breakout season for the former first overall pick, who leads his team in goals (19), assists (25), and points (44). Bedard is just four goals shy of equaling his output over 82 games last season.

His play has helped lift the surprising Blackhawks into contention for a playoff spot. Chicago, which last reached the postseason in 2020, enters Monday sitting three points back of the San Jose Sharks for the final Western Conference wild-card berth.

Bedard's injury may also impact his chances of cracking Canada's squad for the Winter Olympics in February. Rosters for the tournament are due to be announced Dec. 31.

Connor Bedard's injury will sideline him until after Team Canada's 🇨🇦 Olympic roster is finalized. His 1.42 points per game this season trails only Nathan MacKinnon (1.72), Mark Stone (1.60) and Connor McDavid (1.58) among Canadians, and is equal to Macklin Celebrini's output.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 15, 2025

Chicago also recalled defenseman Ethan Del Mastro and goalie Laurent Brossoit from the AHL on Monday.

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