It sounds like the Chicago Blackhawks will need to name a replacement for Connor Bedard in the 2024 NHL All-Star Game (hello, Jason Dickinson!). The Blackhawks confirmed Bedard had surgery to repair his jaw on Monday and will miss 6-8 weeks.
From Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry:
“Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard underwent successful surgery to repair his fractured jaw at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and we expect him to be out of the lineup for approximately 6-8 weeks.”
Frank Seravalli broke the news on Wednesday morning.
Head coach Luke Richardson was asked before and after Tuesday’s game against the Oilers about Bedard’s status and said he hoped they knew more today (Wednesday).
A six-week absence would mean Bedard will miss around 15 games and he would be back around the weekend of Feb. 17-18. That’s noteworthy because the Blackhawks host Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Feb. 15, which I might submit would be an early target for Bedard to get back in the lineup if at all possible.