Blackhawks Injury Report: When Will Connor Beddard Return To Action?

Posted By on January 8, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Beddard will miss time for his team after suffering a broken jaw in his team’s loss to the New Jersey Devils on Friday, January 5. Hence, the huge question now is when will Connor Bedard return to action?

The 18-year-old incurred the injury after taking a hit from Devils defender Brendan Smith. Beddard is currently on the injured reserve and can only return after seven days per NHL rules.

Aside from the top pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, also placed on the injured reserve was Nick Foligno.

It is an unfortunate development for the Blackhawks with no timetable for Beddard’s return. Back in December, Boone Jenner suffered from a similar jaw injury and the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that the 30-year-old center would be out for about six weeks.

Connor Beddard of the Chicago Blackhawks [photo credit: Connor Beddard Instagram]
Connor Beddard of the Chicago Blackhawks [photo credit: Connor Beddard Instagram]

“It’s horrible,” Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato said. “He’s a kid that loves being around the rink, being around the game. Take that away from him, I’m sure is a big blow to him and to us.”

Beddard could miss first All-Star game

Assuming that Beddard will be forced out of action at about the same period as Jenner, the Canadian hockey sensation may be forced to miss the 2024 All-Star Game which is set for February 3. Should this be the case, Beddard will be left with no choice but to wait until 2025 to play his first one.

Beddard became the youngest rookie to be selected to the NHL All-Star Game on Thursday. He eked out Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner who previously held that honor per The Athletic.

“I think, once (the injury) settles a little bit he’ll be able to skate shortly. He just won’t be able to be in practice, but he’ll be able to be on the ice,” Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said of Bedard via NHL.com.

“That’ll be good for him because it’ll get a lot of that restless energy that he’s going to have (out) … He likes to be with the team, likes to be on the ice. It’s a blow and he’s young. He’s going to need his teammates and his family more than ever to support him and comfort him,” he added.

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