New Jersey Devils Brendan Smith Levels Blackhawks' Connor Bedard,

What a disaster this would be for the Chicago Blackhawks. Tensions are likely high at the moment after rookie phenom Connor Bedard was sent to the dressing room by a crushing hit.

Bedard crossed the New Jersey Devils blueline and was trying to get in deep when he was absolutely levelled with a big, clean hit from defenceman Brendan Smith. Bedard crashed to the ice, and his teammates went after Smith, causing a scrum. As Bedard was skating off the ice, he had his glove in front of his face the whole time. As he was walking to the dressing room, his bare hand was on his jaw the whole time.

As the game continues, there is no word yet on whether Bedard will return or whether he'll sit the rest of this one out. A long-term injury would be a blow to him, the Blackhawks, and the entire NHL when it comes to promoting the game. He'll be a key piece at the upcoming All-Star Weekend, if he can make it.