Connor Bedard’s offseason training session in Vancouver reportedly took an unsettling turn on Thursday, with the Blackhawks star forward falling awkwardly and landing on his left shoulder.
Ryan McGregor, a contributor for Blackhawk Up and an internet personality, reported the news while attending the practice. McGregor has been on hand for offseason sessions that have included multiple NHL players, among them Kent Johnson and Macklin Celebrini.
There is still no word on how serious the injury might be, and the situation remains developing.
The shoulder involved this time is the opposite one from the injury Bedard suffered against the St. Louis Blues on December 12, 2025.
On that play, Bedard went into a face-off and dislocated his shoulder on the ensuing draw. Coach Jeff Blashill described it as a “freak accident,” and Bedard ended up missing 12 games.
The concern now is twofold. Shoulder dislocations can carry a nasty risk because each new one can open the door to another. If the worst-case scenario plays out, Bedard would be dealing with two structurally weak shoulders, which is a tough thought for a player whose elite shot is such a central part of his game.
There’s also the contract side of this. Bedard remains unsigned as the offseason rolls on, and injury questions are suddenly part of the conversation.
Over the last three seasons, he has been seriously injured in two of them. In his rookie year, he broke his jaw on a hit from New Jersey Devils defender Brendan Smith.
Last season brought the shoulder injury, and now this latest scare gives Kyle Davidson another factor to weigh in the upcoming negotiations.
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