The Chicago Blackhawks may have to start the season without Connor Bedard, but there’s at least some encouraging news on the injury front.
According to Scott Powers of The Athletic, Bedard is on track in his recovery from the shoulder injury he suffered during offseason training. Chicago had initially set a four-month recovery window after the 2023 No. 1 pick underwent surgery in early July, a timeline that pointed to an early-November return and would keep him out of the first 14 games of the season.
Powers also reported that Bedard has gotten back on the ice and could even be ahead of schedule as he works toward the 2026-27 season. That’s a positive sign for the Blackhawks, though losing him to open the year would still be a significant blow.
Bedard has been the engine of Chicago’s offense since debuting in 2023. He posted 61 points in 68 games as a rookie, then followed that with 75 points in 69 games last season, a pace that translated to 89 points over a full 82-game schedule. He has led the Blackhawks in scoring in all three of his seasons with the club.
Chicago committed to him long-term after the injury, announcing a five-year, $75MM contract that keeps him in place for the foreseeable future. The Blackhawks are hoping that deal sets the stage for another jump next season, especially with offseason additions Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov joining top prospect Anton Frondell to give the lineup a deeper look.
If Bedard is forced to miss time, Frondell is expected to take on a center role this season, while Frank Nazar would also be asked to shoulder more responsibility down the middle. That would leave Chicago with a new-look top six featuring Kane, Kantserov, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teravainen.
The Blackhawks have felt the difference when Bedard isn’t available. In his career absences, Chicago has gone 8-17-2 and averaged just 2.07 goals per game. His return, even if it comes a little earlier than expected, would give the team a much-needed boost and more flexibility up front.
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For Blackhawks fans, though, Melrose carries a more specific kind of memory. His career against Chicago was unusually busy, and the connection went beyond his broadcasting years, giving the Hawks a distinct little footnote in a career that stretched across eras. In a league full of familiar faces, he was one of the ones Chicago seemed to see more often than most. [Read more 🡒]
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A.J. Spellacy, Sacha Boisvert and Marek Vanacker are among the prospects expected to take part, and their presence gives Chicago some of the most intriguing forward talent in the system a chance to set a tone. Defenseman Taige Harding is also slated to be there, along with Ryan Roobroeck from the 2026 draft class, which underscores the organizations interest in players who can bring a physical edge while still developing into real NHL pieces. Even before the main camp battles begin, this showcase has a chance to change expectations about which young players are closest to forcing their way into the picture. [Read more 🡒]