Chicago Blackhawks Rookie Connor Bedard Placed on Injured Reserve After Fractured Jaw
The Chicago Blackhawks assigned rookie Connor Bedard to injured reserve on January 6 following a fractured jaw sustained in the first period of the previous night’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
On Tuesday, head coach Luke Richardson disclosed that more information regarding the extent of Bedard’s injury might become available later this week.
“We anticipate having a more comprehensive update, hopefully later today or tomorrow,” Richardson conveyed to the media on Tuesday morning. “He’s been receiving medical attention from our team doctors at home… we expect to receive additional information, hopefully by game time tonight or tomorrow.”
The injury occurred midway through the first period when Devils defenseman Brendan Smith delivered a significant hit to Bedard, who was visibly holding his mouth before departing to the locker room and did not rejoin the game.
NOBODY TOUCHES BEDARD 😡 pic.twitter.com/wX8wgRC7kS
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) January 6, 2024
While there is no precise timetable for Bedard’s comeback, a fractured jaw typically results in an absence of four to six weeks.
Richardson shared his own experience of breaking his jaw as a player, revealing he was sidelined for approximately five and a half weeks due to the severity of the injury, requiring two plates and 15 screws. “Everybody’s a little different, and every break’s a little different,” Richardson commented. “He’s a skilled player, but you come back fine, and I think you’re obviously worried at the beginning, especially if it’s your first real big injury like that. But when you get through it, it’s just like anything; it makes you stronger because you realize your body is very resilient and comes back.”
Not surprisingly, Richardson mentioned that Bedard is likely eager to return to the ice as soon as possible. “He’ll have protection on for a while once he comes back,” Richardson stated. “He’s a guy that’s probably already talking about trying to get on the ice. He’s the type of guy who wants back out there. Once something like that heals enough, he’ll be out on the ice skating. He won’t be able to take contact for a while.”
“That first game back when you get a whack and it’s a little numb, you’re a little bit shocked for a second, stop and check it. But you’re fine,” Richardson added. “The body’s pretty resilient. This is probably going to be one of his first full injuries. So it might take him a little bit just to feel comfortable when he gets back and trust that.”
The Blackhawks currently have nine players on the injured reserve, with two expected to return for Tuesday night’s game against the Oilers.
