Connor Bedard set to return from injury to save Blackhawks, with 1 caveat

The Chicago Blackhawks have struggled so far this year, winning just one of their first six games. During that time, Connor Bedard has been missing from the lineup, while the Blackhawks have welcomed back Patrick Kane.

Kane has played in 1,167 games with the Blackhawks, including six this year in his return to the team. Meanwhile, Bedard has played in 219 games with the franchise, but the two franchise icons have never taken to the ice together. That may change on Tuesday night, according to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman.

“CHI coach Jeff Blashill said Connor Bedard returns tonight, assuming final check from doctors goes right,” Friedman posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Bedard injured his left shoulder during an offseason on-ice training in July and needed shoulder surgery. His rehab has progressed quicker than expected. Bedard also returned to practice for the first time this week, despite being limited in what he can do. This is something that has excited Kane, per Scott Powers of The Athletic.

“I think it’s definitely a boost to the whole team,” Kane said of Bedard at practice. “Obviously, just seeing what he’s capable of doing out there just in practice, it’s high-level skill, the way he attacks, the way he can make plays off attacking. He’s a special player, and he’s a big part of our team, so it’s nice to see him back.”

Meanwhile, Bedard is excited to play with one of the franchise’s all-time great players.

“Yeah, I think it’s nice for me having the lefties, obviously facing the play so much on my one-tee there, and (I) have a lot of options,” Bedard said. “I’ve probably played more the other side in my career, but I feel comfortable over there, and obviously, we got four amazing players that can think the game at such a high level and get open for me. I’m excited. And if I don’t have the puck, then Kaner has the puck. I think I’d probably rather have that, even.”

If Bedard is cleared during his final check by Blackhawks doctors, he will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night during the NHL’s Frozen Frenzy.